A full programme of Music Trains for 2023
We are back to a full summer’s programme of Music Trains this year, starting this month. There will be monthly trains from Chester to Plumley (except in June when we go to Knutsford) and more from Altrincham to Chester as well.
We start with Chester to Plumley and the Golden Pheasant on Wednesday 26 April to promote Chester Folk Festival – then each month until October. We will have a Music Train from Altrincham to Chester in June and more Music Trains from Altrincham later in the summer. Plus we can arrange lunchtime Music Trains for groups from Chester to the Railway Inn in Mobberley – as we did for Chester Vision Support last year and are planning for Grosvenor Museum Society in June this year.
There is no charge for the Music Trains from Chester to Plumley or Knutsford, though there is a collection on the way back for the band and you will need a train ticket. There is music on the train both ways and at the pub. No need to book from Chester or intermediate stations – just get on the train. There will be signs on the windows to show you the carriage with the music. Music Trains from Chester leave Chester at 18:56 and the return train arrives back in Chester at 22:38. (This is an earlier return journey than last year as the timetable has changed). You can also get on or off the train at the intermediate stations along the way. For Music Trains from Altrincham to Chester you need to book in advance – more details in the next newsletter.
At the intermediate stations you must buy your ticket from the platform ticket machine or online. At Chester you can buy it from the ticket machine or the ticket office or online. If there isn’t a ticket machine at your station or if the machine isn’t working then you can buy a ticket from the conductor on the train.
It is always possible that train services might be reduced and therefore a small possibility that a Music Train might have to be cancelled at short notice. In that case you would receive an email notification if you are on this mailing list and a note would be put on the Community Rail Partnership website and its social media accounts.
Wednesday 26 April – Chester to Plumley and at the Golden Pheasant
Three bands – Full House, Time Bandits and Kingfisher are playing and singing on the Music Train from Chester and at the Golden Pheasant pub in Plumley. They are promoting Chester Folk Festival (www.chesterfolk.org.uk), to be held at Kelsall from Friday 26 May to Monday 29 May. Full House play a mixture of traditional, contemporary and self-written material on guitar and octave mandola. Time Bandits play Anglo-European folk and renaissance dance music for concerts and ceilidhs. Kingfisher combine American west coast harmonies of the late 60’s, with traditional Celtic ballads, original numbers and the occasional 1970’s pop classic.
The Golden Pheasant has an extensive menu which you can see online. You can order online in advance or when you arrive or. If you order in advance then tell them that you are with the Music Train, so that you are seated in the bar area where you can hear the music and not in the restaurant.
From Chester
Wednesday 17 May – Chester to Plumley with the Deportees
Friday 9 June – Chester to Knutsford– with Nelson Peach
August to October dates to be confirmed – details in the next newsletter.
From Altrincham
Thursday 29 June – Altrincham to Chester and at Alexanders – with Pastry Shoes
August and September details and how to book in the next newsletter.
Groups on Music Trains
Groups are very welcome to join the Music Trains.
If you plan to bring a group of 8 or more people on a Music Train from Chester to Plumley or Knutsford, please contact me in advance about your plans so that we can agree a date or dates. That way we can avoid having too many groups on one evening.
If you plan to bring a group on the Music Trains from Altrincham to Alexanders in Chester then just go ahead and book online with Alexanders. There is a maximum of 45 places available.
We are happy to arrange extra Music Trains for groups of 30 or more people on weekdays. They can be in the daytime or in the evening. The costs are the train ticket and a contribution to the band’s fee – there is no extra charge for arranging the Music Train. Contact me to discuss arrangements and possible dates.
More information
Watch the Mid Cheshire rail website (www.midcheshirerail.org.uk) or subscribe to this newsletter for details. Follow MidCheshire CRP on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
