Bury

A Thomas the Tank Engine replica steam train is travelling through Greater Manchester this summer

You can get tickets now.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 30th June 2026

Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making another return to Greater Manchester once again this summer.

But this time, it’s with a rock and roll twist.

After delighting families throughout the region during countless successful events over the past couple of years, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has announced that the Thomas the Tank Engine replica train is back this summer, arriving in a couple of weeks for a ‘rocking good’ time.

In case you aren’t too familiar with the beloved Day Out With Thomas experience, it’s said to be ‘a train ride like no other’.

Families have the chance to hop onboard the replica of the cult-classic blue train character when he returns next weekend for a 45-minute trip through the Greater Manchester countryside.

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Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making another return to Greater Manchester this summer / Credit: ELR

The journey begins at Bury Train Station, where you’ll be greeted by The Fat Controller, meet Sir Topham Hatt, say hello to Thomas on the platform, and then climb aboard a carriage, all before Thomas makes a final stop at the beautiful Ramsbottom station. 

The doors to Bury Transport Museum will also be open across the weekend and will be hosting loads of fun free activities.

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On the Day Out With Thomas: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour, families will be able to watch and dance along to exciting live shows with Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty, join in the Thomas and Friends character hunt, have fun with garden games, keep the beat going at the ‘Music Corner’ packed with music-inspired fun, and so much more.

Thomas will be stopping at East Lancashire Railway this year on 18-19 July so there’s plenty of opportunities to see him, and tickets are now on sale.

Ticket prices start at £14.50 for kids, and £24 for adults.

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A range of family ticket options are also available, and children under two years old can ride with an adult for no extra charge.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

Featured Image – ELR

Bury

Greater Manchester’s heritage railway issues statement as it’s forced to cancel services this week

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Steam train

Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway has been forced to cancel its services this weekend due to the heatwave.

In case you hadn’t heard, Amber Extreme Heat warnings and heat-health alerts have been issued by the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) through to Thursday this week – with temperatures widely exceeding 35°C nationwide, and in some areas – particularly on the south coast – potentially even reaching 38°C.

Heatwave conditions in the UK are met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold for that location.

It does seem, however, that northern parts of the country – especially the North West – are missing most of the extremely hot conditions.

Current forecasts indicate that the peak temperatures for Greater Manchester this week will be tomorrow and Thursday, with highs of 33°C in the city centre.

Despite not reaching the heights of the south, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has still had to act in advance and has taken the decision to cancel its scheduled services for the next two days as the forecast is ‘too severe’.

Taking to social media to share its decision today, ELR wrote: “Due to the current weather warning for the UK, the decision has been taken to cancel all services on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June 2026, including the afternoon tea and mid-week luncheon dining experiences.

“The welfare of both staff and customers is paramount to the ELR, and we believe that the risk in the extreme heat that has been forecast is too severe to allow for the running of our ordinary services.”

As things stand, ELR says its current plan is to have services resume with the evening dining train on Friday 26 June, but this will still be ‘subject to review’, and further updates on this will be issued later in the week.

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Visitors who have already pre-booked services over the two cancelled days will be contacted via email to have their options explained to them.

“We apologise for any inconvenience,” ELR closed out its statement.

Featured Image – ELR

Bury

Luxury steam train dining experiences are back running through Greater Manchester this summer

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Red Rose Diner

Greater Manchester’s heritage railway is back hosting one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the region this summer.

It’s no secret that East Lancashire Railway 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 ride a steam train through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.

Wizards, Thomas the Tank Engine, dinosaurs, 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?

East Lancashire Railway’s ‘Red Rose Diners’ are back this summer / Credit: ELR

That’s right, the Red Rose Diners are here to stay this summer.

Described as being ‘the ultimate first class foodie experience’, ELR’s Red Rose Diners are unlike any other fine dining affair on offer in our region, as passengers are not only treated to a proper fancy feast while they’re aboard, but also to polished panelling, luxurious seating, and crisp linens too.

Running on selected Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the summer months, the experience starts with a glass of fizz and then stretches over an almost three-hour train journey through the picturesque Irwell Valley.

It includes a four-course dinner with complimentary sparkling wine, followed by tea or coffee and after-dinner chocolates.

They’re described as being the ultimate first class foodie experience / Credit: ELR

Each party has their own personal waiter tending to them throughout the course of the evening, so you can fully relax knowing every aspect of your experience will be catered for to the highest of standards.

Fine dining not really your thing though? Don’t worry, as ELR has a handful of other special experiences in the calendar for the summer as well – including Afternoon Teas, Lancastrian Lunches, and even wine tasting and comedy nights, so there’s something for everyone.

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You can find out more about the Red Rose Diners and other experiences this summer, and book your tickets, over on the ELR website here.

Featured Image – ELR

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