Manchester

Inside the new-look Pendolino trains that will run between London and Manchester – with fewer first class seats

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 26th April 2022

Avanti West Coast has unveiled its new-look, refurbished Pendolino trains, which run along the main line between Manchester and London.

One of the major changes included in the upgrade is the removal of some first class carriages to make room for more standard class seating.

In more good news for commuters, every seat on the upgraded trains will now come with a power point – previously, only those on table seats could access charging points.

The first of 35 ‘as new’ trains is back in service after its makeover, which is part of a £117m upgrade programme.

Avanti West Coast is removing one First Class carriage from each of its Pendolinos, and upgrading the rest. Credit: Avanti

The Pendolinos are some of the most recognisable trains in the UK, thanks to their tilting systems and their electric power.

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They’ve now been given a facelift, which includes more comfortable seats, a revamped shop, and better on-board customer information.

One first class carriage in each of the Pendolinos will be converted to provide a total of 2,000 more standard class seats.

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  • Water points on board
  • Clearer customer information
  • The new shop
New features on Pendolinos. Credit: Avanti

Avanti West Coast has also added additional luggage space, power points at every seat, new carpets and new loos.

Passengers on board yesterday’s 5.05am service from Manchester Piccadilly to London were the first to travel on the upgraded trains.

Rail minister Wendy Morton said: “The iconic Pendolino is back and better than ever before. This refurbished version of the classic fleet is a fantastic example of our cutting-edge rail network and how our railways are leading the way in creating a cleaner, more environmentally friendly and modern transport system.”

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The toilets have all had an upgrade too. Credit: Avanti

Managing director of Avanti West Coast, Phil Whittingham, said: “This investment has been one of the key promises to our customers and they will see a dramatic transformation of our well-loved fleet.

“The refurbished Pendolinos look and feel like new trains with state of the art technology as well as brand new seats that promise best-in-class comfort.”

The remaining 55 trains are to receive the same treatment as part of the £117m programme with the second set due back in service early next month. Rail manufacturer Alstom is undertaking the work at their new depot in Widnes in the North West, helping to secure 100 skilled jobs.

Read more: Warning issued to hikers after two people fall at ‘Instagrammable’ Peak District beauty spot

Peter Broadley, managing director services at Alstom said: “We are delighted with the launch of the newly modernised Pendolino. Working closely with our partners at Avanti West Coast and Angel Trains, we have created something truly special for the customers travelling on the West Coast Mainline.

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“Our team at Widnes have created something amazing and we are incredibly proud of the final product. We hope it secures the future of the Pendolinos on the West Coast for many years to come.”

The upgrade programme will run until 2024 when the last of the 56 strong fleet is expected to leave Widnes.

Featured image: Avanti

Manchester

Co-creator of Manchester-Blackpool bike ride hoping to reunite with fellow founders for special anniversary

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester to Blackpool bike ride 40th anniversary 2025

One of the co-creators of the much-loved Manchester to Blackpool charity bike ride is looking to reunite with some of his fellow founding members for a very special anniversary of the heartwarming event.

Way back when, Tony O’Dwyer was one of just six original riders who embarked on the bike ride from Manchester – Media City in Salford Quays, more precisely – to the Blackpool seafront, which has gone on to become a beloved and regularly frequented fundraiser.

Fast forward four decades later and not only is the annual cycling event approaching its 40th anniversary, but O’Dwyer himself is looking to take it on yet again, just four days before his 70th birthday.

Oh yeah, it’s worth mentioning he’s done it every year since the beginning – including solo during the pandemic. Simply incredible.

manchester to blackpool bike ride
Go on, Tony, lad! (Credit: The Christie Charity)

To make things even more memorable, the Wigan-born bike-riding legend is calling on his fellow Manchester-Blackpool bike ride founders to join him in a momentous reunion that is both a personal celebration and one that champions the famous fundraising endurance challenge.

It may have started out as little more than half a dozen blokes setting off from Albert Square in Manchester city centre on a pretty ambitious voyage, but it’s gone on to become a North West tradition and a powerful way to support vital causes, not least of all charities like The Christie Foundation.

This year, Tony will be riding once again to raise funds for The Christie in honour of his late father, Franco O’Dwyer, who was cared for by the specialist hospital and research centre after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Franco sadly died 10 years ago, and Tony has been a passionate supporter of the organisation ever since, taking various fundraising challenges even beyond his usual Manchester to Blackpool bike ride.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary edition, Tony said: “I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since we first did it. Back in 1985, it was just a group of mates, a few bikes, and the road to Blackpool – we didn’t have the gear, just grit and a bit of madness!

manchester blackpool cycling event
tony odwyer
Credit: Supplied

“We passed through Leigh, Standish, Preston, and St Annes, stopping at pubs and windmills along the way, just enjoying the journey. I’d love to reconnect with the original group – Mike, Barry, Susan, John, Margaret and Christine – it would be brilliant to see where life has taken them.”

“The first time I did the bike ride, I was in fancy dress as a lion, and I’ve done it every year since. I even did it during COVID on my own when the event was postponed, and there were others on the way doing it themselves too, which was amazing to see!”

Crediting The Christie with prolonging his father’s life and giving his family that extra precious time, he’s now proud to fly the flag for the foundation, and they have just as much love for him.

Mass participation events officer Josh Hughff added: “Tony is an incredible ambassador for the Charity and for this event. His dedication over four decades is inspiring, and we’re honoured he continues to ride in support of The Christie Charity.

“His story is a reminder of the lasting power of community, memory, and giving back.”

Read more:

For anyone who’d like to join Tony and be part of ‘Team Christie’ 2025 as they head towards the seaside town’s South Promenade, you can sign up HERE.

As for those pioneers who first took on the challenge all those years ago, if you were part of that original group or know someone who was, please contact Maggie Doyle at The Christie Charity on 07717 532195.

Fingers crossed we can get the gang back together.

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

Featured Images — The Chrisite (supplied)/Leo C. Owen (Pexels)

Manchester

Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed FREE fun next month

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Manchester Day is making a grand return for 2025 this summer, and you can expect a day filled with loads of music-themed fun.

Oh, and it’s free fun at that… doesn’t get much better.

With a whopping 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer – apparently a little band called Oasis is performing or something? First we’ve heard of it – and a massive lineup of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city these next couple of months, this year’s Manchester Day is aiming to get everyone ‘in the groove’.

Manchester City Council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme that promises something for music fans of all ages and all musical abilities.

From the English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans, to community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, and loads more, this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.

As always, activities will be taking place right across the city centre – from St Ann’s Square to Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in between.

Organisers say there will be plenty of chances throughout the day for visitors, both young and old, to get stuck in, try their hand at making music and maybe even uncover a hidden musical talent they didn’t know they had.

You can expect strum-along ukulele sessions, spontaneous sing-alongs, dancing to a steel pan band or some surprising Ska, and the stand-out music parade event travelling from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a ‘musical meander’ through the city streets.

Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed free fun next month / Credit: Manchester City Council

“We’ve got a mammoth summer of live music coming up in the city this year, which means it’s only right that we max out on the music for Manchester Day,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Chair of Manchester Day, as this year’s theme was announced.

“Everyone in Manchester loves music, Mancs have music in their bones, there’s so much talent here – we’re either making it or playing it, and that’s why everyone’s on the guest list for this year’s Manchester Day to help us celebrate the music that Mancunians make best.

“We’ve got a fantastic day lined up, so loosen up those vocal chords, grab a guitar, grab your granny, all the family, and don’t miss it.”

Read more:

Manchester Day is taking over the city centre on Saturday 15 July, and will be kicking off at midday right through to 5pm that same evening.

Featured Image – Manchester City Council

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