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An ‘immersive’ 1940s-themed weekend is taking over Greater Manchester’s heritage railway this month

Get ready to dig out your retro gladrags.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 6th May 2024

An ‘immersive’ 1940s-themed weekend is all set to take over Greater Manchester’s heritage railway later this month.

Fancy stepping back in time?

After delighting little Mancs and families throughout the region during countless successful events over the past couple of years, the Greater Manchester public is now being invited to “dig out your gladrags” and head on down to East Lancashire Railway (ELR) this late May bank holiday, as the Vintage 1940s Weekend is returning by popular demand.

The Vintage 1940s Weekend been an absolute hit in previous years, and has been one of the heritage railway’s most popular events, so it’s no surprise that it’s making a return in a couple of weeks time.

Tickets are now on sale, and there’s still plenty of time to grab some for yourself.

This year, the event will “focus on the musical backdrop of 1940s Britain”, which means there’s an exciting collection of live music performances lined up across the three-day weekend – including vintage vocal harmony trio ‘Blue Bird Belles’, and vintage DJ ‘A Train Swing’ too, so you’ll want to make sure to “bring your dancing shoes”.

An ‘immersive’ 1940s-themed weekend is taking over Greater Manchester’s heritage railway this month / Credit: ELR

But the music scene won’t be the only highlight of the weekend, as food, fashion, and memorabilia of the 1940s will also be brought to life too.

ELR says it’s hoping to recreate “an atmosphere of hope and celebration” for all the family to enjoy, as well as “capturing the most positive aspects of this unique period in British history”.

To keep spirits soaring, the famous Avro Lancaster 1 is also scheduled to fly over Rawtenstall on Saturday (25 May) and Monday (27 May).

When the Vintage 1940s Weekend takes over ELR later this month from Saturday 24 – Monday 27 May, all attendees are encouraged to “get stuck in and dress up in period costume” to make the whole event feel like you’re really stepping back in time, and the uniform policy is now available to view on the ELR website here. 

Speaking ahead of the event later this month, Mike Kelly – who is the Chairman of East Lancashire Railway – commented: “The 1940s Weekend is one of our best attended days out in the annual calendar, and we’re delighted to see its return in 2024, as it’s great to see the community, both young and old, come together to celebrate this incredible time period, and to remember those who sacrificed so much for the country. 

“This weekend is one you won’t want to miss, so make sure to book a ticket while you still can.”

Tickets are now on sale from as little as £25 for adults and £16.50 for children, but there’s also three-day rover tickets and a range of discounts and family ticket packages available too.

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And, if all of that wasn’t exciting enough as it is, the ticket price also includes a ride across the Irwell Valley on a genuine steam-powered train too.

Find out more, and grab tickets to the popular event here.

Featured Image – ELR

What's On

New app launches taking music fans on an immersive AR tour around Manchester

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

The history of Manchester’s globally-renowned music scene is now being celebrated through the launch of a unique new app.

Manchester Music Mooch is an app that takes you on an immersive journey of the city’s iconic musical heritage locations, all while giving emerging artists a platform to shine. 

Made possible through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, and by using the power of Augmented Reality (AR), the app takes music lovers on an interactive trail across five grassroots music destinations.

The app was created by MediaCity-based Dig Media and award-winning app developers, ArcadeXR, ahead of an expected 1.3 million music tourists arriving in Manchester this summer.

It was developed in collaboration with Manchester Digital Music Archive, Salford University, Toasted Productions, and the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), as well as with support by Visit Manchester and ABID.

Some of the famous grassroots music sites featured on the toor included like Tony Wilson Place, Band on the Wall, Fat City Records, and the Roadhouse.

Influential music spots in the Oxford Road Corridor like Manchester Academy, Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), and the former BBC building, can also be explored on the tour, as well as influential clubs in the Gay Village.

Loads of well-known and upcoming musical names will be providing the narrative for the tour along the way, such as DJ Paulette, Rowetta, Luke Una, and even Middleton-born singer songwriter JP Cooper.

A new app has launched and it’s taking music fans on an immersive AR tour around Manchester / Credit: Supplied

The app’s launch comes as the city celebrates a sensational summer of live music, with a whole series of music-themed activities taking place across the city as part of Manchester City Council’s MCR Live ’25 campaign – including Wild In Art’s Music for the Senses art trail.

“Manchester’s music history is globally renowned, but the city often struggles to convey its story cohesively,” commented Simon Marsland, who is the founder of app creators, Dig Media.

“With Dig Media’s expertise in media production, archiving and technology, alongside extensive local and international music networks, we’re spearheading a resilient way of sharing Manchester’s musical legacy never done before.”

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The Manchester Music Mooch app is free to download online, where you can also find extra interactive content, more in-depth history, and information.

Download the app here.

Featured Image – Robin Worrall (via Unsplash)

What's On

The Maccabees’ Orlando Weeks on Gavin and Stacey, Glastonbury and comeback tour

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia Orlando Weeks interview The Maccabees

UK indie band The Maccabees announced their comeback tour earlier this year alongside a very impressive All Points East headline date.

Since rocking into the music scene in 2007, The Maccabees have a Mercury Prize nomination to their name as well as three UK top 40 singles and one chart-topping album ‘Marks To Prove It’.

Just last year, the band ingrained themselves into UK pop culture for eternity thanks to the inclusion of their single ‘Pelican’ in the finale of the much-loved TV classic Gavin and Stacey.

The Maccabees have been a staple in British culture and indie music alike, and it’s safe to say fans were overjoyed when the news of a comeback tour was announced.

The Maccabees Manchester gig tickets
The Maccabees are coming to O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester on 21 and 22 August.

After nearly a decade apart, the lads are ready to hit the road again with a string of UK tour dates, which are in preparation for their huge All Points East headline date at the end of August.

Lead vocalist for The Maccabees, Orlando Weeks, sat down with us to talk reuniting with fellow bandmates after almost a decade, as well as all things Glastonbury and the upcoming All Points East headline slot.

Orlando Weeks from The Maccabees | The Interview

The Maccabees have played Manchester almost 20 times since entering the music scene in 2007. What is it about our Manc crowds that keeps pulling you back?

Manchester has a musical heritage, which means there are enough venues that we can come back to so many times and people not be sick of us. The crowds are great, it’s always a good gig and always a good night out.

Having that kind of heritage and pride in your city makes it the kind of place [bands] want to come back to.

This will be the band’s first time playing O2 Victoria Warehouse, and after playing a variety of Manchester City centre music venues, how excited are you to be playing this one for the first time?

I’ve had friends that’ve played it, and everyone said that it’s a good gig. I have no doubt it’ll be good.

Due to incredible demand, you’ve had to add a second date after the first show sold out – what’s it like for you hearing news like this?

The original offer for us was to play All Points East, and so when we got that, it made up our minds to play these summer shows.

Getting to play once in Manchester will set us up [for this headline slot], and getting to play twice will set us up even better. I love being in Manchester anyway, so to have a little bit longer to have a wander and a drink is great.

What was it like getting back into the rehearsal process with the rest of the band after nearly 10 years of not performing or touring together? 

It’s very odd how powerful muscle memory is. It’s crazy how quickly all of the songs, structures and playing came back to us.

When we used to play, I invented so many completely useless little triggers for me to help remember lyrics or a chorus that I’d get stuck on, and I still remember those foot taps and placements that bring it all back.

Felix [White] boasted before we even started rehearsing that he remembered everything off by heart, and he could go straight into a gig. To be fair to him, it’s amazing how much his brain has retained.

At your first show in nearly a decade at The Dome in London, you created artwork to raise funds for the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Society. Will fans be able to buy your artwork and support this charity at both the Manchester dates?

There will be an MS charity stall as well as one for Doctors Without Borders. If you’re reading this or coming to either of the gigs and have anything that you can contribute to either of those charities, then we as a band would be extremely grateful.

This 2025 tour sees support from indie rock band, Sorry – how excited are you to head out on the road with this talented group?

 The Maccabees have always been very lucky to travel around the world with other bands who are amazing, and Sorry are definitely part of that list.

You have a reason to get down early, because if you’re a fan of The Macs, you’ll be a fan of Sorry. I can guarantee that you’ll have a good time.

The Maccabees are taking part in some of the biggest events in the British music calendar [Glastonbury, All Points East]. How does it feel to have such immense support nearly 20 years into your career?

20 years in and 10 years off. There are a few people who aren’t in the band but have been such a big part of it, even through the 10 years that we weren’t really doing anything. They would say if you ever did wanna do something, there’ll be people there.

I just didn’t know that [The Macabees reunion] would be as popular as it has been. It’s very hard to explain or get your head around, really.

On the topic of Glasto, how surreal was it to be playing this major music festival for the third time?

@bbc6music Just WOW – #Florencewelch #themaccabees #Glastonbury ♬ original sound – BBC Radio 6 Music

I think we’ve been at least four times, maybe five times.

Headlining ‘The Park’ stage was special, and it was also the first time my son came and saw me on a stage singing. It was a great ‘take your son to Work Day’. We had Florence [Welch] coming out and singing with us, too.

I’ll remember all of The Maccabees’ Glastonbury experiences, but I think that’s the one I’ll hold onto for the longest.

Speaking of surreal moments, your song ‘Pelican’ featured in the finale of British favourite, Gavin and Stacey. How did this opportunity come about?

@nessa_smithy How has it already been 4 weeks since the finale came out?😭💗 #foryou #gavinandstacey #fyp #gavinandstaceyfinale #gavinandstaceyclips #ruthjones #jamescorden #gavin #stacey #britcomedy #smithy #nessa #unclebryn #pamandmick #davecoaches #themaccabees #robbrydon #gavinandstaceychristmasspecial #smithyandnessa ♬ Pelican – The Maccabees

I think Matt might’ve texted me, but it was Christmas and I was swept up in all sorts of celebrations. We got a lot of messages after it aired because an insane number of people watch the show.

It’s all thanks to James Corden and Matt Horne, who have always been fans from early on. It was very flattering and very nice to be part of [Gavin and Stacey].

And finally, after playing Manchester so many times, are there any shops or special spots that you always make sure to visit when you’re in the city?

I remember when we were in Manchester last time for ‘The Farewell’ tour, I’d started running by then – and I loved the canals.

Usually, I defer to local friends and I’ll just let them take me to whichever pub or place they recommend – Wherever they go, I go.

The Maccabees are set to play two nights at O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester, and there are still tickets available for their second date HERE.

The Maccabees announce huge Manchester gig on hotly-anticipated reunion tour
You should have heard our editor’s (whose favourite band is The Maccabees) screams when the comeback was confirmed.

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

Featured Images – Press shots/David Dixon (via Geograph)/tv.bomb.co.uk (via WikiCommons)

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