Travel & Tourism

An iconic vintage train is set to pass through Greater Manchester this summer

It was one of the most futuristic trains of its time.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 22nd July 2026

Calling all railway enthusiasts: another historic vintage locomotive is set to visit two Greater Manchester train stations this summer.

Whether you’re a passionate trainspotter or just a nearby resident curious to see what all the fuss is about, the cult favourite retro carriages will pass through the pair of Manc boroughs and surrounding areas early next month.

Despite an adjustment in the initial plans, locals will still be able to witness and board the train at multiple stops along the way in the Stockport (Reddish South station) and Rochdale areas.

So, if you consider yourself a bit of a ‘Francis Bourgeois’ figure, or a general public transport connoisseur, pay attention.

The retro train in question is an iconic throwback: the Inter-City 125 ‘Summer Riviera’ HST service, originally manufactured during the 1970s.

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Designed by Sir Kenneth Granger and officially launched back in 1976, the fleet was named as such after the top speed of 125mph – simple as that.

Once again, it’s worth noting that the originally proposed route and stops have now been changed due to issues with Network Rail.

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As a result of there currently being no standing approval to use the connection from Paignton to Bury on the East Lancs Railway line, they have been forced to change the start and terminus points.

Writing on the dedicated 125Group website, they say: “We are reviewing our options to start as close as possible to the advertised departure point, and it seems likely that Rochdale will become the start and finish point, with all other previous pick-ups retained.

“For those in the far south west, we are looking to see whether we can offer an Exeter to Paignton return – subject to availability of space. We will add this to the booking site shortly, although we may have to limit numbers sold until we are more certain of booking levels to Bristol and Exeter.”

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Two 125s, including ‘The Mancunian Princess’, travelled through the SK region earlier this year.

They have reassured that the journey will still be going ahead and have simply advised those hoping to catch it to keep their eyes peeled on the website and their socials for the latest updates.

Kids’ tickets start from just a tenner, and standard passes for the full tour cost £99, with first-class the class option priced at £149 (there’s also a table for two supplement available for £50).

You can see the full map, find out more information, and grab your seats right HERE.

Bet the internet signal on this relic isn’t far off the current standard either, to be fair…

Internet signals reportedly ‘100x faster on the moon’ than on some UK trains
Give us (signal) strength.

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Featured Images — David Hitchbone (via Geograph)/MaltaGC (via Wikimedia Commons)

Travel & Tourism

Andy Burnham extends Greater Manchester’s £2 bus fare cap across England

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant People on a bus

Single bus fares are to be capped at £2 across England from next year, it has been announced.

Andy Burnham famously introduced this money-saving measure on the Bee Network here in Greater Manchester back in September 2022 when he was Mayor of the city region, and it’s proved to be a big success ever since, so it comes as no surprise that this would be something he would look to extend nationwide once he became Prime Minister.

It’s only his second full day in office, but in a bid to further help with the cost of living and give people the breathing space they need, Andy Burnham has now announced that millions of passengers nationwide will benefit from cheaper bus fares in 2027.

Backed by £400 million extra funding, the cap on fares will help millions of people across the country access affordable bus travel more easily.

The Government says this measure is aiming to ‘break down barriers to travel’.

Currently, fares have been capped at £3 until the end of March 2027, but today’s move will stop prices jumping next spring and lower fares to £2 from January, as well as extending the cap until the end of 2027 to give local authorities more time to plan with confidence.

The bus fare cap comes alongside the first rail fare freeze in 30 years announced earlier this year, saving passengers £600 million, and commuters on some routes saving more than £300 a year.

It also comes after the Government announced £100m for free bus travel for all children in England aged five-15 on participating services this summer as part of the The Great British Summer Savings scheme.

Andy Burnham is extending Greater Manchester’s £2 bus fare cap across England / Credit: TfGM

“Good, affordable transport links are an essential,” commented Prime Minister Andy Burnham. 

“But for too long people have said that cheaper transport isn’t an option. I don’t accept that. I’ve done it before and I will do it again now – a £2 cap on bus fares for millions across the country.

“Lower fares will help people get to where they need to, giving them breathing space to help with the cost of living. As I said on my first day in office, I will build a country for everyone, everywhere. That means more connected communities, better access to opportunities, and a lighter load on people’s lives.”

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The Government will consult on ways to award extra planning powers to Mayors to give them the final say over decisions on public transport in their areas.

These greater powers will help make sure local leaders have the tools they need to meet the needs of local people, and the Government will be consulting on these measures to make sure that they are designed in the best interest of local communities.  

Featured Image – Mitchell Johnson (via Unsplash)

Travel & Tourism

A new interactive VR space experience by the Smithsonian is coming to Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones virtual reality experience manchester city centre

Working in partnership with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, a new immersive space experience is being brought to life by virtual reality (VR), and it’s coming to Manchester.

You won’t find many other things like this in the entire UK, let alone the North West.

Developed in collaboration with the world-renowned Observatory (SAO) itself, next month, our city is set to take people on a ‘journey through the cosmos’ like never before.

Having already stunned crowds down in London, the ‘Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience’ is coming to Manchester for the very first time; here’s a quick glimpse…

Popping up in an otherwise unsuspecting corner of the Northern Quarter, the Smithsonian’s Starstruck exhibition and interactive display is a must-not-miss this August.

Allowing visitors to travel far beyond Earth through the medium of VR goggles, you’ll be able to explore distant galaxies, witness the life cycle of stars, and witness everything from exoplanets, burning suns, even black holes up close and personal.

It’s also worth noting that this has been brought to life using real astronomical data and with help from experts working at the leading science, astronomy and astrophysics centre.

During the experience, Mancs will be transported via the power of humanity’s famous observatories, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb, the Chandra X‑ray and more, allowing them to not just see and hear but almost feel these far-flung phenomena like never before.

Besides visiting these various state-of-the-art institutions individually, there’s virtually no other exhibit that offers this kind of access – pardon the pun.

Presented by the award-winning and increasingly popular Fever Events, each VR session is set to last roughly 40 minutes, serving as a great family day out, couples date, or solo experience; and trust us, you’re bound to get lost in time AND space. Ok, that pun we definitely meant.

Credit: Fever Originals (supplied)

Speaking ahead of its arrival, Fever’s Global Director of Production, Alex Winterbottom, said in a statement: “We’re proud to have developed this new immersive experience in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), the largest astrophysics research centre on the planet.

“This partnership has enabled us to ensure scientific accuracy down to the smallest detail to make the observatory’s incredible research within reach to audiences in Manchester.

“Bringing Starstruck to the Science Museum highlights the project’s ability to educate and engage visitors of all ages, from children to adults, while remaining highly entertaining.”

Starstruck by the Smithsonian lands at Transmission House on Tib Street on Thursday, 6 August, and with tickets starting from just £10.50 for children, students and over 60s, it’s a no-brainer.

Grab yours now while you can right HERE and check out the latest trailer down below.

Credit: Supplied

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Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via Fever/We Are Indigo PR)

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