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Iconic Thomas the Tank Engine replica is back travelling through Greater Manchester this weekend

He's back for more family fun.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 29th July 2025

Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making another return to Greater Manchester once again this weekend.

And there’s still time to get yourself some tickets.

After delighting families throughout the region during countless successful events over the past couple of years, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has announced that the Thomas the Tank Engine replica train is back by popular demand now that schools are out for summer, and will return to its tracks this weekend.

In case you aren’t too familiar with the beloved Day Out With Thomas experience, it’s said to be ‘a train ride like no other’.

Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making another return to Greater Manchester this weekend / Credit: ELR

Families will have the chance to hop onboard the replica of the cult-classic blue train character when he returns next weekend for a 45-minute trip through the Greater Manchester countryside.

The journey begins at Bury Train Station, where you’ll be greeted by The Fat Controller, meet Sir Topham Hatt, say hello to Thomas on the platform, and then climb aboard a carriage, all before Thomas makes a final stop at the beautiful Ramsbottom station. 

The doors to Bury Transport Museum will also be open across the weekend and will be hosting loads of fun free activities.

There’ll be Thomas-themed stories, and engaging and interactive activities to make the most of, as well as amusing performances by Sodor’s mischievous station sweepers, Rusty and Dusty, who’ll be entertaining with singing, dancing, and laughter all day long.

Not only that, but you can also expect fun fair rides, face painting, balloon art, and so much more throughout the weekend.

ELR’s Chairman Mike Kelly is “thrilled” about Thomas’ return next weekend.

The Day Out With Thomas experience is said to be ‘a train ride like no other’ / Credit: ELR

Mr Kelly said Day Out With Thomas events hold ‘a special place’ in the heritage railway’s calendar.

He added that: “They remain one of our most beloved experiences, as Thomas is cherished by people of all ages and this makes the event a source of joy, not just for children, but also for parents, grandparents, and our volunteers.”

Day Out With Thomas tickets are still on sale for this Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 August – with prices starting at £13.50 for kids, and £22.70 for adults.

Read more:

Find out more and get your last-minute tickets here.

Featured Image – ELR

What's On

The England Netball team are returning to Manchester for a key international fixture

Danny Jones Danny Jones England netball Manchester AO Arena tickets 2025

The England Netball team are returning to Manchester city centre for another big international tie at the AO Arena.

With two more tournaments on the horizon, the Vitality Roses will be hitting the road once again to play a trio of matches between two old Imperial nations ahead of the 23rd edition Commonwealth Games getting underway next summer.

As part of the 2025 Vitality International Test Series, England will be facing back-to-back face-offs with New Zealand over the course of less than a week at two different venues, and one of them is our very own AO Arena.

While the final details and timings are still subject to change, the Roses will face NZ – currently the second best rated team on the planet – later this year.

Taking place this winter and spread across the span of four days, England are set for a weekend double-header at the Copperbox Arena in London (15-16 November), before heading up North to 0161 on Wednesday, 19 November for the closer in Manchester.

Currently ranked fourth themselves in the World Netball world rankings, England enter these series following a successful international season last term, which saw them lift their inaugural Vitality Netball Nations Cup, beating current world number ones Australia for just the third time in history.

A second-ever Taini Jamison Trophy win over their other Anzac cousins in 24/25 should hopefully mean nothing but good omens too.

The games against the ‘Silver Ferns’ will also serve as a rigorous rehearsal for the second annual Vitality Netball Horizon Series, where they’ll play four more games with Jamaica; a pair will be held at the Coppebox and the final two will be played away in Kingston.

Last year’s tournament came to the AO as well, with England losing to the Jamaicans by 61-53 in the decisive match. Safe to say there are scores to be settled, and they will be even more prepared for the multiple rematches.

A Nations Cup to their name will certainly help boost confidence.

Jess Thirlby, head coach of the Vitality Roses, is already getting hyped up ahead of the competition.

“Securing high-level, high-intensity series against the world’s best teams is always top of the agenda, not least as we build towards a back-to-back major tournament year with the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2026 and the Netball World Cup in Sydney in 2027 just around the corner.

“We have both a long-standing rivalry with Jamaica, which we saw the renewal of last year in the hotly contested Vitality Netball Horizon Series, and a more recent competitive rivalry between ourselves and the Silver Ferns, serving up many tight contests.

“Both series will help test us and enhance our preparations for 2026, whilst also allowing our athletes to make their mark in front of our incredible fans.”

Read more:

Presale tickets will be available to Three+ mobile members from 10am on Tuesday, 5 August, via the venue’s own early access window from the same time on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, general admission goes live from Thursday, 7 August, with tickets once again for what is set to be an exciting day of family-friendly sporting action available from 10am.

You can get ready to grab yours HERE.

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

Featured Images — Press images/AO Arena (supplied)

What's On

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is offering FREE returns if it’s raining when you visit

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort has introduced a new ‘rainy day return’ policy.

If there’s one thing we can all be certain of, here in the North West, rain will fall, even if it’s summer, and despite the fact us northerners are used to it, it does tend to dampen the fun a bit – pun intended – which is why Blackpool Pleasure Beach has introduced a new policy aimed at ensuring guests are getting the best out of their visit throughout August. 

If you’re visiting Blackpool Pleasure Beach this summer, and it rains for more than three hours on the day of your trip, then you’ll be entitled to return for free within seven days of your original visit.

This means you’ll get a second go at experiencing the Pleasure Beach’s lineup of rides and attractions, like the 235ft Big One, the award-winning Valhalla, and the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land, all when they sun is shining… or just when it’s not chucking it down, at the very least.

“It’s important to us that guests have the best time when visiting,” commented Amanda Thompson OBE, who is the CEO of the Pleasure Beach Resort.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is offering free returns if it’s raining when you visit / Credit: Supplied

“While, technically speaking, the rain doesn’t affect our rides, we wouldn’t want the wet weather to dampen anyone’s day.

“We truly believe that you can have a great time at Pleasure Beach come rain or shine, but we know that everything is extra special when the weather is on side.”

To use the rainy day return scheme, guests should arrive at the ticket centre on the day of their return visit, and display their eTickets, paper tickets, or confirmation email to staff.

The new return option can be used any day of the week, within seven days of the original visit.

Read more:

The launch of the Pleasure Beach’s ‘rainy day returns’ policy comes just days after the resort last week unveiled a first glimpse of what its new £8.72 million ride, Aviktas – that’s set to be the ‘tallest of its kind’ in the UK – will look like once it’s finished.

Aviktas will spin riders 120 degrees, facing outwards with legs dangling as you soar along the coastline.

Featured Image – Supplied

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