What's On

Greater Manchester’s popular luxury steam train dining experiences are back next month

It's said to be the "ultimate first class foodie experience".

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 20th February 2024

Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway is back hosting one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the region from next month.

It’s no secret that East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is known and loved for its immersive events that give rail enthusiasts and curious Mancs the chance to step back in time by hopping on one of the historic Pullman-style carriages and riding a steam train through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.

Wizard, Thomas the Tank Engine, dinosaur, and Peppa Pig-themed train rides are just a few of the events that have been entertaining families in the region over the last few years.

But for the grown-ups, how does getting the chance to tuck into a four-course luxury meal sound?

Greater Manchester’s popular luxury steam train dining experiences are back next month / Credit: ELR

Described as being “the ultimate first class foodie experience”, ELR’s Red Rose Diners are undoubtably indulgent and unlike any other fine dining affair on offer – with diners not only treated to a feast, but also polished panelling, luxurious seating, and crisp linen while on board.

ADVERTISEMENT

Running on selected Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 March right through to November this year, Red Rose Diners start with a glass of fizz and stretch over an almost three-hour train journey through the Irwell Valley – including a four-course dinner with complimentary sparkling wine, followed by tea or coffee and after-dinner chocolates.

After something even more indulgent though? Well, the luxury only continues with the heritage railway’s Premium Nights, where “black tie is a must”.

ADVERTISEMENT

One step up from the Red Rose Diners, and only running on a handful of selected dates throughout the year, Premium Nights are apparently “an even finer way” to enjoy the traditional Pullman-style dining experience.

Diners will first be greeted by live music from a classical harpist and violinist as they step on-board for a four course meal in luxurious surroundings, while a table magician will entertain throughout the journey, and end the night with a prosecco reception on the platform.

It’s described as being “the ultimate first class foodie experience” / Credit: ELR

Tickets to East Lancashire Railway’s Red Rose Diner experiences are priced £69.90 per person, while Premium Nights set you back £99.

ADVERTISEMENT

Read more:

Find out more and grab tickets here.

Featured Image –

What's On

Manchester to host ‘landmark’ charity concert for Ukraine with star-studded lineup

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Manchester is set to host a ‘landmark’ international benefit concert for Ukraine with a star-studded lineup of big names.

Taking place at Co-op Live early next February, Songs of Freedom will aim to unite iconic global musicians, artists, and cultural leaders in solidarity with the women, children, and vulnerable communities affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Bob Geldof, Madness, Chrissie Hynde, and Midge Ure are just some of the more than a dozen famous names announced to be taking part in the show, alongside the Songs for Ukraine Choir, Royal Opera Chorus, and London Metropolitan Orchestra.

And as the concert will be here in Manchester, several local names are also due to appear too, including Peter Hook & The Light, Inspiral Carpets, The Lathums, Lottery Winners, and more.

Additional artists from around the world will perform via live video link into the broadcast – with mega stars Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, and Sean Penn all lined up to contribute.

Even more names will be announced in due course, so stay tuned.

The event is aiming to raise ‘vital’ funds and global awareness, while celebrating Ukrainian resilience, identity, and spirit.

All the money raised will go to UNITED24, Voices of Children, Sviatoslav Vakarchuk Charitable Foundation (People of the Future), and Masha Foundation – each of which directly support urgent humanitarian relief.

Manchester is set to host a ‘landmark’ charity concert for Ukraine next year with a star-studded lineup / Credit: Supplied

Backed by key industry figures, Songs of Freedom will be bringing together a lineup of international legends and Ukrainian talent.

Ahead of the concert next year, Harvey Goldsmith CBE said: “I am really pleased to have the opportunity to play my part in helping the Children and Communities in Ukraine.

“This war has gone on far too long and more and more children are suffering as a result. The concert at Coop in Manchester will highlight their plight. We must stand together and play a role in pressuring the need to stop this war.”

Read more:

Songs For Freedom will take to the Co-op Live stage on Wednesday 3 February 2027, and tickets go on general sale next Monday (16 November) – with venue pre-sales beginning this Thursday (12 November).

Find out more and get tickets when they go on sale HERE.

Featured Image – Supplied

What's On

Two nights of Noah Kahan at AO Arena, Manchester – tickets, times, and more for 2026 tour

Lydia Mastrolonardo Lydia Mastrolonardo Noah Kahan has just announced TWO huge gigs in Manchester

Noah Kahan isn’t just gracing Mancunians with his presence once this autumn, we’re lucky enough to host him for two nights of his world tour.

The two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter is heading back to the UK for his biggest tour to date, two years after his last appearance in our city when he played to a packed-out Co-op Live.

Noah Kahan has taken the world by storm in recent years following the release of his acclaimed third album in 2022, Stick Season, which sat in the UK album chart for three years. He has almost 15 billion global streams, sold nearly 12 million albums, and earned 22 Platinum and Gold certifications to date – he’s not doing half bad, is he?

This tour is in support of his fourth studio album, The Great Divide, which is said to build on Kahan’s signature storytelling, encapsulating his thoughts on grappling with success, identity, family, distance, and unspoken truths. 

Not only does Kahan provide us with the best music to cry it all out to, he also founded a mental health non-profit, The Busyhead Project, which has raised over $13 million in support of its mission to increase awareness around the importance of mental health.

Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know.

Noah Kahan has just announced TWO huge gigs in Manchester
Noah Kahan plays the Co-op Live in Manchester this week. Credit: Publicity picture
Noah Kahan will be playing at AO Arena next week / Credit: Publicity Picture

Noah Kahan at AO Arena, Manchester

Noah Kahan – The Great Divide UK & Ireland Tour Dates

  • Thursday 5 Nov – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
  • Friday 6 Nov – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
  • Monday 9 Nov – Manchester, UK – AO Arena
  • Tuesday 10 Nov – Manchester, UK – AO Arena
  • Friday 13 Nov – London, UK – The O2 Arena
  • Saturday 14 Nov – London, UK – The O2 Arena
  • Thursday 19 Nov – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena
  • Saturday 21 Nov – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena
  • Sunday 22 Nov – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena

Are there any tickets left?

Sadly, both Manchester dates are now fully sold out, but keep your eyes peeled on any resale sites, as you could still be in with a chance to secure some last-minute tickets.

Click HERE to access these tickets via the Ticketmaster general sale or verified resale.

What are the stage times for Noah Kahan in Manchester?

Doors are set to open at 6pm. However timings for both support act Bella Kay and then Noah Kahan are yet to be announced, though Kahan should be on stage around 8-9:15pm, judging from previous gigs.

Be sure to keep your eyes on their Instagram accounts, as well as the AO Arena website, for further information, as stage times are typically announced on the day of the show.

One thing we know for certain is that the show will finish before 11pm, due to AO Arena‘s curfew.

Who is supporting Noah Kahan at the AO Arena?

For both Manchester dates, Noah Kahan will be supported by Bella Kay.

Bella Kay is a 20 year-old Texas-born singer-songwriter. These dates will be some of the largest performances of her career to date, following the release of her debut album, My Reckless Abandon, back in July.

Similarly to Kahan, her album is an exceptionally honest account of her journey through self-acceptance.

Noah Kahan on stage / Credit: Raph PH (via Flickr)

Expected setlist for The Great Divide Tour 2026

As always, we cannot confirm the exact setlist as everything can depend on the city or differing tracks for multi-night venue runs, but this is an expected The Great Divide Tour setlist:

  • American Cars
  • Doors
  • All My Love
  • Deny Deny Deny
  • Staying Still
  • Haircut
  • Downfall
  • She Calls Me Back
  • Dashboard
  • Dial Drunk
  • Willing and Able
  • Porch Light
  • Orbiter (Extended)
  • Pain Is Cold Water
  • Maine
  • Paid Time Off
  • The View Between Villages (Extended)
  • Northern Attitude
  • The Great Divide
  • Orange Juice
  • New Perspective
  • End of August
  • Homesick
  • Stick Season

Getting to AO Arena

Tram

For those of you heading to AO Arena, luckily, it’s connected to Manchester Victoria Station, and it has an integrated Metrolink stop to make your life even easier.

Head along the pink, light blue or yellow lines directly to the Victoria stop, and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.

Train

ADVERTISEMENT

Considering this live entertainment venue is situated right in the middle of one of Manchester’s most frequented stations, concertgoers should find no problem getting to the arena, wherever they are.

Bus

A variety of buses cover AO Arena and Victoria Station on their route, such as the 2 bus, which stops just a one-minute walk away from the venue.

A full list of buses and their routes can be found HERE.

Getting there by car and parking

ADVERTISEMENT

The Arena has its own official CitiPark, with 958 car parking spaces, including 40 Blue Badge parking bays, which can be booked in advance.

Alternatively, anyone attending a gig can park at their nearest train station and jump on a train service or the various Metrolink park and ride facilities.

Walk/cycle

Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes through the Beryl app, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike all through an easy-to-use app.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image – Press Picture

More What's On

Food and drink prices at the Manchester Christmas Markets 2026

Christmas

Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 – prices for beer, mulled wine, bratwurst, and more

Art & Culture

Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues

Christmas

You can meet Father Christmas at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum this festive season

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches