Residents from Springs and surrounding towns are gearing up for one of South Africa’s most unique heritage spectacles as The Great Train Race returns on September 27 to the Heidelberg Railway Station.

Now in its 10th year, the event coincides with Heritage Month and features the dramatic re-enactment of the legendary 1930 race between Woolf Barnato’s Bentley Speed Six and Le Train Bleu.

As headline sponsor, Paysure Brokers has helped revive the tradition, ensuring the event continues to bring together collectors, families, and enthusiasts for a full day of heritage, engineering, and entertainment.

More than 100 vintage cars, motorcycles, aircraft, and a majestic steam locomotive will take centre stage. The highlight is a live-streamed re-enactment of the iconic 1930 race, giving audiences again the rare thrill of seeing the battle between steam and combustion engines.

Event founder and historian Christopher Van explains: “The Great Train Race is about more than machines; it’s about keeping history alive for the next generation. Every collector plays a part in preserving a piece of our motoring heritage.”

This year’s programme includes the ‘convergence’ moment, a choreographed spectacle where vintage cars, motorcycles, and aircraft race to meet the Rovos steam train on the platform, complete with traditional drummers, flag drops, and live commentary.

For families, there’s a dedicated children’s zone with crafts and mini steam rides, artisanal markets, food trucks, live performances, and a Best-Dressed competition celebrating vintage flair.

The entertainment line-up features Afrikaans pop star Bernice West, legendary favourites The Staccatos, and a full day of traditional performances.

With new custodians at the helm, the event is now described as “by collectors, for collectors,” ensuring the values of classic motoring are not only preserved but shared.

“For us, the Great Train Race is about stories that connect people, the journeys our grandparents spoke about, the machines that defined an era, and the chance to relive that history today,” said event patron and co-owner of Paysure Brokers, Yuvi Jasti.

For those seeking exclusivity, VIP packages include gourmet canapés, an open bar, private lounges, helicopter flips, vintage aircraft rides, chauffeur pick-ups, and premium viewing areas.

The event starts at 08:30 and will end at 16:00. Tickets are available from Tixsa/GreatTrainRace