Loads of legendary retro steam trains will be travelling through Greater Manchester this weekend

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Legends of Steam

History will be rolling through Greater Manchester this weekend, as loads of legendary steam trains will be showcased.

East Lancashire Railway‘s (ELR) Legends of Steam event is back again for its third year after proving to be so popular last spring.

The heritage railway is already known and loved for its calendar of themed events for families all year round, with wizard, dinosaur, and Alice in Wonderland-themed being some of the fan-favourites, as well as its Thomas the Tank Engine replica and its Halloween and Christmas specials.

But this weekend’s event is one especially for the retro steam train lovers.

Returning this weekend from Friday 10 – Sunday 12 April 2026, well-known historic steam trains such as the A1 60163 ‘Tornado’, and the Battle of Britain 34070 ‘Manston’, will be what are known as the star guests at the three-day event.

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The West Country 34092 ‘City of Wells’ and the L&Y/LMS Class 23 No. 11456 will also be making appearances across the weekend.

Steam train
Loads of legendary retro steam trains will be travelling through Greater Manchester this weekend / Credit: ELR

If you’re after a particularly special experience, then on Friday 10 and Sunday 12 April, ‘Tornado’ will be paired with a 1960’s Freight Train, and as part of this collaboration, ELR is offering Brake Van Rides for a supplementary fare.

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This isn’t the only stand-out pairing either, as over the weekend, the 34092 ‘City of Wells’ will be paired with the guest 34070 ‘Manston’ for some double headed specials.

This special pairing is actually because 2026 marks 60 years since the closure of the famous Somerset and Dorset Railway, where it was common to see these Bulleid Pacifics at the head of the ‘Pines Express’ – which ran from Manchester to Bournemouth.

There’s also a number of dining experiences to make the most of too.

As part of the Dining With Legends series, rail enthusiasts are invited to sit back in one of the opulent Pullman-style carriages and enjoy fine dining whilst being hauled by the legendary ‘Tornado’.

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Legends of Steam returns on this Friday 10 – Sunday 12 April, and tickets are on sale now.

Both day ticket and dining options available, and you can find out more information and grab your tickets on the ELR website here.

Featured Image – ELR

Sale Sharks secure England veteran Courtney Lawes as he eyes up international return

Danny Jones Danny Jones Courtney Lawes joining Sale Sharks next season

Sale Sharks have confirmed the signing of rugby union veteran Courtney Lawes as he returns to the Premiership after a two-year hiatus.

Almost just as importantly, Lawes also looks to be eyeing up an England comeback…

Courtney Lawes officially retired from international duty following the 2023 Rugby World Cup and left the Gallagher PREM in ’24, but now the London-born and former Brive flanker is reannouncing himself to the division, becoming Sale’s latest signing ahead of the Sharks’ 2026/27 term.

Penning a one-year contract, the deal is now done, with the ex-British and Irish Lions star set to journey back across the Channel soon, as the start of the next campaign is coming back around quickly.

Lawes left the UK just a couple of years ago to join the side in southern France, and could have accepted a move to Leicester Tigers but turned down the offer; given the obvious rivalry between them and his former stomping ground, Northampton Saints, it was little surprise.

It’s also worth reminding the his last season with the Saints saw him helping them lift their title in a decade, and even he remains a hugely experienced addition to any squad.

Having been monitored by a number of teams, including his old team, he admitted that his wife’s family being from Cheshire did prove to be a decisive factor.

Now 37, there had been many who questioned how he would fare back in this league – guess we’ll find out very soon.

More importantly, the seasoned member of the second row also made it clear his intentions to at least put himself in the conversation for the national team once again.

Writing in an official statement, he said: “I’m officially un-retiring from international duty, and I’d love to play for England again, but first and foremost I want to play well for Sale, and we’ll see what happens after that.” He also recently penned a column for The Times explaining the decision.

He’s made it plain he’d like to be involved next year.

Courtney went on to add: “I’m really excited to be joining Sale. I’ve been out of the Prem now for a couple of years, and I just want to finish my career playing at the top level. I think Sale have got a brilliant squad, so hopefully I can add to that, and we’ll see what we can do next year.

“My body feels good, and I’m still performing at a high level. I feel like I can compete with the best of them, and then some, and I think if I retired now, I’d probably regret it when I was older.

“As a rugby player, you’ve got a very finite career, and you’re a long time retired, so I want to make the most of it while I can, give it everything for another season and then we’ll see what happens…

“There will be quite a few familiar faces at the club. I’ve played with a lot of the England lads, and Dorian West was my first forwards coach as a professional player. I know the club is bringing in some brilliant players for next season too – guys like Joe Marchant and Alex Lozowski will add a lot on and off the field.

What do we reckon then, Sharks fans: is this a signing you’re happy with?

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Featured Images — Fearless Fred/Bob Bob (via Flickr)Sale Sharks (press shot via X)

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