We had a great evening in the Golden Pheasant last Wednesday with a full carriage on the train, more people joining us at the Golden Pheasant and excellent music from Time Bandits. A wonderful performance of music from mediaeval times until now on a wide variety of instruments, plus Katrina Turner’s evocative singing – sometimes solo and sometimes with backing vocals from the whole band. The fireplace alcove gave a great setting for the music and the arrangements for pre-booking a table worked well, too.
We have just three more Music Trains in this season. Two in September and one in October.
Book now for the Blues Train from Altrincham and Knutsford… on 18 September!
For those of you who like a Music Train to Alexander’s in Chester… our next date is … THURSDAY 18 SEPTEMBER…
The journey starts in Altrincham – leaving at 18.36. Join at any station along the line. Scroll down for How It Works and the full timetable – you need to book in advance with Alexander’s (alexanderslive.com) for the package of taxis to and from the station and food and the second band at Alexander’s.
Hound Dog Blues are playing on the train. They feature: Jon Ingham – guitar, dobro, cigar box; Andy Millington – guitar, vocals; and Dave Eatock – harmonica, accordion, vocals. This highly accomplished trio formed the band a couple of years ago as an acoustic sideline to their busy programme of electric blues gigs around the UK. Playing well known and not so well-known covers from the 50s, 60s and 70s the Hound Dog Blues Band are sure to have your feet tapping, your face smiling and your heart and soul feeling good.
Lil’ Ian Goodsman and Thor Brown are playing blues at Alexander’s. Lil’ Ian (guitars) has toured New Zealand and the UK and played the Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival three times, along with other Festivals in New Zealand, UK and Belgium. He has also done session work in San Francisco. (‘Tonight was amazing with one of the best acoustic blues players you will see’. New Crawdaddy Club, Essex, UK). Thor Brown (bass) is a familiar face on the Chester scene. He started with bands such as Rev Rev, Love-Waffe and Inspired by Punk in the 1970s and has continued performing since – playing blues and beyond – more recently with the Terry Burgin Blues Band on our Music Trains.
Last train to Plumley (for 2025)… BandaRama on the Music Train from Chester to Plumley on Wednesday 24 September
BandaRama treat train travellers to a special ‘Tracks of our Years’ set that celebrates the golden era of the 1960s and early 1970s. With a strong focus on acoustic versions of Beatles songs (Chester-Plumley return trip) and, in between, a selection from a mixed musical menu at the excellent Golden Pheasant, you’ll be glad you booked your ticket to ride!
Join Rose Price & Martin Medina (vocal harmonies, guitars) and Ian Southerton (bass and vocals), members of the musical collective BandaRama, who play as a trio for this evening’s entertaining excursion. All share a mutual love of cross-genre music, each having a well-established performance record in a variety of musical contexts in Cheshire.
The journey starts in Chester – leaving at 18.56. Please book a table in advance with the Golden Pheasant (www.goldenpheasantatplumley.co.uk ) to be sure to sit near the music and avoid disappointment, telling them that you are coming for the music. If you can’t commit in advance – there are plenty of seats in the restaurant and bar area where you will hear the music but you might not have the best view.
One more Music Train from Altrincham to Chester
You can book now for the October Music train to Chester and Alexander’s. Music from MamboJambo and So What Now Jazz on Thursday 16 October.
How Music Trains Work… you may know by now… but here’s a reminder
Altrincham to Alexander’s in Chester – Thursday 18 September and Thursday 16 October
When we go to Alexander’s in Chester some things are a little different…
Firstly, you will need to book the package deal in advance at alexanderslive.com .
You can find and book the Music Trains under ‘Book Tickets’ on their website.
There is always music from two bands – one on the train both ways and one at Alexander’s.
The package deal covers the music and food at Alexander’s as well as taxis from the station at Chester to Alexander’s and back again. The food is Dave Johnson’s award-winning local bangers with mash, peas and gravy. (Vegan option available). If you have any dietary requirements, please let Alexander’s know at the time of booking. The cost is £25.70 including booking fees…
But some things are the same…
Catch the Music Train from any station from Altrincham to Chester
Look out for the signs on the windows for the music carriage … or just follow the sound!
There is no charge at all for the music on the 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 can
Train times…
We leave Altrincham at 18:36, calling at Hale 18:39, Ashley 18:43, Mobberley 18:47, Knutsford 18:52, Plumley 19:56,
Lostock Gralam 19:00, Northwich 19:05, Greenbank 19:10, Cuddington 19:16, Delamere 19:20, Mouldsworth 19:25,
Arriving Chester 19:37 for our pre-booked taxis to Alexander’s
Our return train leaves Chester 22:53, stops at all stations and arrives Altrincham 23:54
Tickets
Buy your ticket online, at the ticket machine or at a ticket office
Cheaper Advance fares may also be available online
Rail Fares – examples
Altrincham-Chester Off-Peak Day Return £15.30 Railcard Return £10.15
DUO (two people travelling together) £22.90 (£11.45 each).
Knutsford-Chester Off-Peak Day Return £914.40 Railcard Return £9.55
DUO (two people travelling together) £21.60 (£10.80 each).
Chester to the Golden Pheasant in Plumley – 27 August and 24 September
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.
If you’re hungry…
Good food is available at the pub – the Golden Pheasant in Plumley
Please book a table in advance at www.goldenpheasantatplumley.co.uk so you sit close to the music (remember to say you’re with the Music Train)
The menu is online and you can order online in advance or when you arrive if you prefer.
What time?…
Chester to Plumley
| 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 | ||
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
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
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 on a Music Train from Chester to Plumley or Knutsford you need to 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 they order
- A contribution to the musicians’ 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.
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:
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?
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 our Music Trains!
Michael Ross
Music Trains organiser, Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership
