The most famous locomotive in the world will open one of the largest rail festivals this country has ever seen. Flying Scotsman will steam into York on May 29 to officially open Railfest, the National Railway Museum's celebration of 200 years of the train.

This announcement follows the NRM's successful campaign to save the historic rail icon for the nation.

Railfest, which runs until June 6 at the Museum's specially extended site on Leeman Road, York, is expected to attract more than 60, 000 visitors.

Flying Scotsman will join steam icons such as City of Truro, Olton Hall, star of the Harry Potter films, and the world's only working replicas of Rocket and Penydarren - the very first steam locomotive.

On May 29 Flying Scotsman will depart from Doncaster and after its triumphant arrival at York will be on display at Railfest.

LNER locomotive No 4472 Flying Scotsman was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and built at Doncaster Works in 1923. It was the first steam locomotive to officially break the 100mph barrier in 1934 and was sold into private ownership by British Rail in 1963.

It was put up for sale by its then owners, Flying Scotsman plc in March 2004. Following an overwhelming show of public support, and with the help of a major £1.8m grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) and a substantial donation from Sir Richard Branson, the NRM announced that it had acquired Flying Scotsman on May 5.

Following Railfest, Flying Scotsman will be placed on display at the National Railway Museum and running steam specials from 1 July through to the end of August 2004.

Andrew Scott, Head of the National Railway Museum, said: "The excitement generated by the Museum's success in saving this national treasure is growing as May 29 approaches.

"We are all looking forward to seeing Flying Scotsman arriving in York before taking its place as the star attraction at our Railfest celebrations to mark the bicentenary of the train. "What better way could there be to begin the latest chapter in the life of this most remarkable locomotive."

Updated: 14:34 Wednesday, May 19, 2004