We had a BRILLIANT START TO THE 2025 MUSIC TRAIN PROGRAMME on Wednesday!
We had live music from Full House on the train and at the pub – plus sets from Cap’n Andy Hignett and Debbie and Chris Lee. We were warmly welcomed to the Golden Pheasant at Plumley by Carl and his team for good food and refreshments.
We had virtually full carriage for this fabulous event. Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time listening to and singing along to the music as they travelled, ate and drank. As well as some great music it and providing a fun night out. It also promoted Chester Folk which runs from Friday 24 May to Monday 27 May. This year it proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking decades of music, dance, and community spirit in the heart of Kelsall. Come along and enjoy live performances, lively ceilidhs and dancing, plus workshops for all abilities and activities for all ages. Find out more at www.chesterfolk.org.uk
So, you can see what a great time we had on the Music Train this week, if you weren’t there you missed a real treat! Do make sure you come along on the next one.
IT’S A DOUBLE BILL! ON THE EVENING OF WEDNESDAY 14 MAY
The journey starts in Chester – leaving at 18.56. Join at any station along the line. We arrive in Plumley for the Golden Pheasant at 19.35 and then head home on the 22:38
We have THE LYNCHPINS, who are back for 2025 after a successful Music Train debut last year.
They are a wonderful four-piece band playing and singing Irish jigs, reels and ballads playing a huge variety of instruments. Their music appeals to everyone who enjoys the fun of traditional dance music and well-known popular songs.
And the second part of the double bill is…… DAVE VAUGHAN. Dave cut his teeth at Northwich Folk Club and has a well-earned reputation as a powerful and committed unaccompanied singer with a huge repertoire of songs that span the folk tradition.
YOU KNOW HOW IT ALL WORKS BY NOW…. BUT HERE’S A REMINDER….
The cost….
- There is no charge at all for the Music Trains
- Just buy a return train ticket in the usual way
- There’s a cash collection on the way back for the band – put in what you can
If you’re hungry….
- Food is available at the pub – the Golden Pheasant in Plumley
- Menu is online at www.goldenpheasantatplumley.co.uk .
- You can order online in advance or when you arrive if you prefer.
- If you’re a group of 8 or more book a table online (remember to say you’re with the Music Train so you sit close to the music)
The practicalities…….
- Catch the Music Train from any station between Chester to Plumley
- No need to tell us beforehand – just come along, the more the merrier!
- Look out for the signs on the windows for the music carriage … or just follow the sound!
- If you can’t join the Music Train, come straight to the pub and enjoy almost two hours of entertainment there.
CAN’T MAKE THIS ONE? HERE ARE THE DATES FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR!
There are two main starting locations going to different venues along the line including Plumley, Knutsford and Chester. You can join us at any station or just come straight to the venue.
… from Chester Railway Station
Departs at 18:56 and arrives back at 22:38
| Wednesday 4 June 25 | Angel Hotel Knutsford | Epicures |
| Wednesday 2 July 25 | Golden Pheasant Plumley | Nelson Peach |
| Wednesday 30 July 25 | Golden Pheasant Plumley | Lynchpins |
| Wednesday 27 August 25 | Golden Pheasant Plumley | Time Bandits |
| Wednesday 24 September 25 | Golden Pheasant Plumley | BandaRama |
… and from Altrincham Railway Station
Departs at 18:36 and arrives back at 23:53
| Thursday 12 June 25 | Alexander’s Chester | Pastry Shoes on the train So What Now at Alexanders |
| Thursday 18 September 25 | Alexander’s Chester | Hound Dog Blues on the train Lil’ Ian Goodsman Duo at Alexanders |
| Thursday 16 October 25 | Alexander’s Chester | Mambo Jambo on the train So What Now at Alexanders |
For Music Trains from Altrincham, you will need to book in advance at alexanderslive.com
There is music from two bands – one on the train both ways and one at Alexander’s. The Alexander’s package deal covers the music and food at Alexander’s as well as taxis from the station at Chester to Alexanders and back again. The food is Dave Johnson’s award-winning local bangers with mash, peas and gravy. (Vegan option available). The cost is £25.70 including booking fees. (You can find and book the Music Trains under ‘Book Tickets’). Please notify Alexander’s when you have booked if you have any dietary requirements.
THE MORE THE MERRIER!
Groups are very welcome to join the Music Train, in fact we actively encourage it! If you plan to bring a group of eight or more on a Music Train from Chester to Plumley or Knutsford, please let me know in advance. It means we can ensure we have enough room for you all.
If you plan to bring a group on the Music Trains from Altrincham to Alexanders in Chester then just go ahead and book online directly with Alexanders. There is a maximum of 45 places available.
Alongside the open Music Trains, we also work with several groups to organise bespoke Music Trains for their membership, to and from a location of your choice on a date that suits all. It’s also good value for money – all people need to buy is
- Their train ticket
- Whatever food and drink ordered
- And contribute to the musician’s fees
All the organisation of the event is free of charge!
So, if you are a member of a group and you would like to share this entertainment experience with your fellow members, we are more than happy to help! We can arrange a bespoke Music Trains for groups of 30 or more people on weekdays, either daytime or evening, to the Goshawk in Mouldsworth, the Golden Pheasant in Plumley, the Angel in Knutsford or the Railway Inn at Mobberley.
Interested? Then just get in touch on musictrains@midcheshirerail.org.uk
CHANGES MIGHT HAPPEN
It is always possible that train times might change and a small possibility that a Music Train might have to be cancelled at short notice. In that case we will email everyone on the mailing list to let people know – and pop a note on the Community Rail Partnership website and station noticeboards, as well as on our social media accounts @MidCheshire CRP.
So, just keep an eye out in case there are any changes to the planned events
WHY DO WE DO THIS?
Music Trains are arranged by volunteers on behalf of the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership to promote the Mid Cheshire Line. We want people to use the line, enjoy the experience and come back again – that’s our sole purpose. The train line is for everyone to use, and we actively encourage this. So we run the Music Trains, we produce booklets of circular walks from every station along the line and advertise many events and activities that take place during the year, and you can take the train to get there.
To find out more, you can
take a look at the Mid Cheshire Line website (www.midcheshirerail.org.uk)
subscribe to this newsletter for news and more details
follow MidCheshire CRP via social media – X, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook – just look for Mid Cheshire Rail.
KNOW SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED?
Please feel free to forward this email to them. If they would like to receive this email regularly then email musictrains@midcheshirerail.org.uk and I will add them to the list.
MORE INFOMATION
Music Trains are arranged on behalf of the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership to promote the Mid Cheshire Line.
Watch on this website. Follow Mid Cheshire CRP on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Or, get in touch with is from our contact page
Sign up to our newsletter using the following form:
DON’T WANT TO GET INFORMATION ANYMORE?
If you would like to unsubscribe from these newsletters at any time, drop an email to me with the heading ‘unsubscribe’ and your details will be removed immediately.
Looking forward to seeing you soon on one of the Music Trains!
Michael Ross
Music Trains organiser, Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership
