Greater Manchester’s heritage railway is hosting one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the region this summer.
It’s no secret that East Lancashire Railway (ELR) 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 here to stay this summer / Credit: ELR
That’s right, the Red Rose Diners are here to stay this summer.
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Undoubtably indulgent and 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 all throughout the summer months, the Red Rose Diner experience starts with a glass of fizz and then stretches over an almost three-hour train journey through the Irwell Valley.
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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.
If you’re looking for something even more special, then a ‘Premium Night’ – which is one step up from the Red Rose Diners, and only runs on a handful of selected dates throughout the year – will take place on Saturday 13 July, so bring your best black tie attire and expect an evening of serious elegance for a night of the finest food and entertainment.
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Fine dining not really your thing though?
ELR has a handful of other special experiences in the calendar for the summer – including Afternoon Teas, Lancastrian Lunches, and even a gin-tasting night, so there’s something for everyone.
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
What's On
An over-30s club night with an early bedtime returns to Manchester this week
Daisy Jackson
Sod your 18-30 holidays – we’re all about the new 30+ club night that’s taking the UK by storm, and returns to Manchester in July.
Day Fever will be bringing its hugely popular daytime disco back to New Century on 6 July for a big old knees-up (even if your knees are a bit creaky).
The events usually sell out way in advance, but at the time of writing there are still a handful of tickets available for this next event.
There’s overwhelming demand for Day Fever events here in Manchester, the city where our over-30s were the ones at the forefront the Hacienda heyday – aka, people who know how to party.
Created by Line of Duty and This Is England star Vicky McClure, Day Fever comes with a strict age limit and promises to have you in bed by your normal time.
It’s also co-founded by Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure (no relation), who you’ll often spot behind the DJ decks.
It’s described as ‘the daytime disco that doesn’t ruin your Sunday.’
Unlike most club nights, where you’re not even walking in until 10pm and bracing yourself to throw your usual sleep routine out the window, this one kicks off at 3pm. How civilised!
It also wraps up by 8pm, so you have a plethora of post-clubbing meals on your doorstep instead of being lumped with a late-night kebab.
Since its launch, Day Fever has been selling out in cities across the UK, including here in Manchester over the past weekend.
There are nostalgic TV shows, films and adverts shown on a big screen during the events.
Tickets for Day Fever’s Manchester event on 6 July are on sale now priced at £12.06 – you can get yours through Dice.
Liberty X, Chesney Hawkes, and more to play ‘throwback’ festival in Stockport this summer
Emily Sergeant
Liberty X, Chesney Hawkes, and D:Rream are just a few of the famous names set to play at a “throwback” festival over in Stockport this summer.
Fancy a bit of a blast from the past? One of Greater Manchester‘s favourite retro music festivals, Hits On The Pitch, is back in a couple of weeks time, and organisers are promising it’ll be “bigger and better than ever” this year.
The epic one-day throwback festival will be happening at Stockport Rugby Club, in the Stockport suburb of Bramhall, on Saturday 13 July.
Music lovers from across the region can expect a “celebration” of the “golden age” of music.
Hits On The Pitch is back in Stockport with a “blast from the past” this summer (Credit: Supplied/Hits On The Pitch via Facebook)
Hits On The Pitch’s star-studded lineup is tipped to be a stand-out in the North’s 2024 summer festival season – with massive chart-topping icons such as D:Ream (yeah, the one Brian Cox was in), Damage, The Fizz, and Toyah taking to the stage.
The legendary Leroy Lurve will be bursting back onto the pitch to get the crowd pumped up for performances from the 80s, 90s and 2000s, and will be introducing the likes of Liberty X, Sweet Female Attitude, and Baby D, as well as the much-anticipated return of Haircut One Hundred, who’ll be performing for the first time in over 40 years, after their UK arena tour sold out in under 20 minutes.
Festivalgoers can take a breather from the music and make the most of the multiple on-site bars and street food traders across the venue – with something to satisfy every craving on offer.
Plus, for those looking to add an extra touch of luxury to their day, there are two indulgent VIP packages available this year that come complete with fast-track entry and indulgent extras to give you the ultimate premium festival experience.
Speaking ahead of the festival’s return next month, Simon Taylor from Strawberry Radio, who is one of the organisers of Hits On The Pitch, commented: “It’s time to dust off your neon leg warmers, flannel shirts, and low-rise jeans because Hits On The Pitch is back for another throwback summer party to transport all back to the good old glory days.
“We have an epic musical lineup of guilty pleased and forgotten treasures spanning across three unforgettable decades.”
Emily Sergeant -
26th June 2024 
