To Plumley Again – and Another Chance to Hear the Lynchpins
Fancy an evening out with a difference? Then this is for you!
It’s music… on a train… in a pub… join us at your local station. What’s not to love?
Then read on!
We had an excellent evening last week when Nelson Peach entertained us on the train from Chester and at the Golden Pheasant. As July is a five-week month there is another Music Train for you this month! On Wednesday 30 July with the Lynchpins, from Chester to Plumley. The new performance spot at the Golden Pheasant is popular with bands and audiences – you can watch the music from many more tables than before and the acoustics are better as well. If possible, book a table in advance with the Golden Pheasant, telling them that you are coming for the music. Don’t worry though, if you can’t commit in advance – there are plenty of seats in the restaurant and bar area and we haven’t filled them all yet.
The Lynchpins are back for their second Music Train in 2025 – to make up for May when our train from Chester couldn’t run because of a bridge strike. (That’s when a vehicle hits a bridge along the railway line and all trains are stopped until it’s been checked by engineers). They are a wonderful four-piece band playing and singing Irish jigs, reels and ballads on guitar, mandolin, flute & bodhran. Their music appeals to everyone who enjoys the fun of traditional dance music and well-known popular songs.
You may know how it all works by now … but here’s a reminder for the 2nd
What time?…
Chester to Plumley and Knutsford
| Chester | 18:56 | Mouldsworth | 19:08 | Delamere | 19:13 |
| Cuddington | 19:18 | Greenbank | 19:23 | Northwich | 19:28 |
| Lostock Gralam | 19:32 | Plumley | 19:35 | Knutsford | 19:41 |
Join us at the Golden Pheasant from stations north of Plumley
| Altrincham | 18:36 & 19:36 | Hale | 18:39 & 19:39 | Ashley | 18:43 & 19:43 |
| Mobberley | 18:47 & 19:48 | Knutsford | 18:52 & 19:53 | Plumley | 18:56 & 19:58 |
The cost…
- There is no charge at all for this Music Train
- Just buy a return train ticket in the usual way – online, at the ticket machine or at a ticket office
- There’s a cash collection on the way back for the band – put in what you choose
If you’re hungry…
- Good food is available at the pub – the Golden Pheasant in Plumley
- Book a table online at www.goldenpheasantatplumley.co.uk (remember to say you’re with the Music Train so you sit close to the music)
- The menu is online and you can order online in advance or when you arrive if you prefer.
The practicalities…
- Catch the Music Train from any station from 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.
What’s the fare? Some examples…
Chester-Plumley
- Railcard Off-Peak Return £7.95
- DUO (any two people travelling together) £18.10 (so £9.05 each).
- Off-Peak Day Return £12.10
Cuddington-Plumley
Railcard Return £4.85
DUO (any two people travelling together) £10.90 (so £5.45 each)
Off-Peak Day Return £7.30
Altrincham-Plumley
- Railcard Return £5.95
- DUO (any two people travelling together) £13.50 (so £6.75 each).
- Off-Peak Day Return £9.00
Buy your ticket online, at the ticket machine or at a ticket office
Cheaper Advance fares may also be available online
And for the rest of the YEAR, we have the following Music Trains available for you!
… from Chester Railway Station
Departs at 18:56 and arrives back at 22:38
| DATE | TO | MUSICIANS |
| 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
| DATE | TO | MUSICIANS |
| 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 |
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 book a table at the pub and 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 Alexander’s. There are 45 places available.
Alongside the open Music Trains we can arrange a bespoke Music Train 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. It’s good value for money – all people need is
- Their train ticket
- Whatever food and drink ordered
- A contribution to the musician’s fees
All the music and all the organisation of the event is free of charge – thanks to the Community Rail Partnership!
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! .
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 at musictrains@midcheshirerail.org.uk
- follow MidCheshire CRP via social media – X, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook – just look for Mid Cheshire Rail.
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:
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.
DON’T WANT TO GET INFORMATION ANYMORE?
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Looking forward to seeing you soon on one of our Music Trains!
Michael Ross
Music Trains organiser, Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership
