TRAINS AT LEICESTER, Christmas Eve Morning #trains
đź“… Filmed between 08:15 and 10:45 Every Service
Christmas Eve at Leicester delivered a relentless parade of Meridian units, regional services, testing movements and light engines, all under a festive atmosphere. From non-stop intercity departures to a hilariously weak driver’s toot, this morning session perfectly captures the character of UK rail on Christmas Eve.
Welcome back to Trains & Freight Diaries for a festive rail session filmed at Leicester Station on Christmas Eve morning, Thursday 24th December 2025, between 08:15 and 10:45. This video captures every movement during the filming window, offering a true snapshot of Christmas Eve operations on the Midland Main Line.
The morning opened with freight interest courtesy of GBRf Class 66 No. 66727 working 4M07, setting the tone before a steady flow of East Midlands Railway passenger services took over the station.
The backbone of the session was formed by EMR’s Class 222 Meridian fleet, appearing in force throughout the morning. Units included 222009 (1D11), 222019 (1C20), 222023 (1F12), 222013 (1B22), 222017 (1D13), 222020 (1C23), 222011 (1B25), 222021 (1D16), 222007 (1C26), 222003 (1F17), 222009 again on 1B28, 222016 (1D18), 222008 (1C29), 222012 (1F20), 222017 (1B31), 222022 (1D21), 222010 (1C32) and 222015 (1F22), underlining just how busy Leicester remains even on Christmas Eve.
Regional traffic added further variety, including Class 158s 158862 on 2P53 and later 2P56, along with 158847 on 2P54. Cross-country and local services were covered by Class 170 units, including 170103 (1N43), 170104 (1L98), 170397 (1L34), 170101 (1N45), and finally 170106 on 1N47, forming the author’s ride home to South Wigston.
Modern traction also featured, with EMR Class 810 No. 810010 working 1F15, memorable for the absolutely hilarious excuse of a toot from the driver as it departed Platform 2 — a genuine unscripted moment that summed up the festive mood perfectly. 810011 was also captured on testing duties, first heading south before returning northbound later in the session.
Light engine interest came from DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66137, running 0Z50, looking exceptionally smart and almost factory-fresh in appearance.
This video captures the full rhythm of a Christmas Eve morning at Leicester — fast turnarounds, familiar traction, festive atmosphere, and those unexpected moments that make platform-end filming so rewarding.
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It includes freight operations involving GBRf Class 66 locomotives, East Midlands Railway passenger services using Class 222 Meridian units, and other train movements. The footage highlights the diverse nature of railway operations during this festive period, with various stock types and headcodes recorded across multiple locations on the Midland Main Line.
Fishplate has identified 28 locomotives in this video. We’ve also matched 30 headcodes and 8 operators . Create a free account to see where they appear, unlock timestamps and locations, and view the full breakdown.
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