What's On

You can take part in an Alice in Wonderland-themed murder mystery night on a steam train

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 7th April 2022

East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is hosting one of its Murder Mystery Nights this month, and it’s taking a topsy-turvy twist on a classic fairytale.

If you’re a big fan of Agatha Christie or Sherlock Holmes, or you just enjoy a brilliant night of entertainment and fine dining, then the heritage railway’s popular Murder Mystery Nights are back for the first time in 2022 since the pandemic put them on hold, and you’re invited to bring your best detective people skills and hop aboard a stunning steam train travelling through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.

Hosted by award-winning events company After Dark Entertainment, you will be guided through some “serious sleuthing” to find out whodunit, ELR says.

Each murder mystery night features a different theme, a different cast, and a different riddle to solve – and this Saturday 30 April is the turn of ‘Malice in Wonderland’, which is of course inspired by the classic Lewis Carroll 1865 children’s novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Read more: You can ride a Harry Potter-themed ‘wizard adventure’ train through Greater Manchester

ADVERTISEMENT

A description for the upcoming event on the ELR website reads: “It may have killed the Cheshire Cat but things just keep getting curioser and curiouser on this surreal trip down the rabbit hole.

“Can you keep your head whilst everyone else is losing theirs?”

ADVERTISEMENT
East Lancashire Railway’s popular Murder Mystery Nights are back for the first time in 2022 / Credit: East Lancashire Railway

If all of the drama wasn’t enough of a draw as it is, you’ll also get a complementary glass of sparkling wine on arrival, then enjoy a mouthwatering four-course meal, followed by tea or coffee and after dinner chocolates, all onboard the vintage train carriages as the murder happens, mystery unfolds, and the culprit is eventually found.

Some of the other upcoming murder mystery events ELR is hosting throughout the year include Great British Bump Off, Treacherous Terror Train, Allo Allo, Hollywood Homicide, and Gatsby Manor Mystery.

Read more: You can ride a Thomas the Tank Engine replica train through Greater Manchester

ADVERTISEMENT

“An evening of intrigue, investigation and indulgence awaits,” ELR says.

Malice in Wonderland is taking place on Saturday 30 April, and the evening starts at Bury Bolton Street Station at 6:45pm, before finishing at approximately 10:15pm.

You can find out more and grab tickets via the East Lancashire Railway website.

Featured Image – East Lancashire Railway

What's On

Eurovision 2024 final to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest is to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester next month.

Following the success of the first-ever live streams of Europe’s biggest party onto the big screen when it was held on British soil in Liverpool last year, cinemas up and down the UK are set to come together once again to celebrate 2024’s edition of the major night in the music calendar by hosting the ultimate viewing events.

The epic Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final on Saturday 11 May will be broadcast live on BBC One, and streamed into more than 100 cinemas nationwide – including several in Greater Manchester.

Hosted by CinemaLive, the live stream events will allow Eurovision fans to gather under one roof and be “united by music” to share in the unbeatable experience of celebrating the brightest and boldest music party of the year on the big screen.

Eurovision 2024 final to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester / Credit: Cinema Live | Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)

You may remember that Sweden is hosting Eurovision this year, following the Scandinavian country’s well-deserved victory at the 2023 contest with the song ‘Tattoo’ performed by Loreen.

But thanks to these live stream events, you won’t need to make the trip to Malmö to get in on the action, as you’ll just need to nip down to your nearest participating cinema instead.

Not only will the long-awaited final of the show be streamed live onto the big screen in 5.1 surround sound, but fans are invited to bring their Eurovision parties from the front room to the cinema instead, as organisers say fancy dress is “heavily encouraged” as are enthusiastic sing-alongs too.

Speaking ahead of the event next month, John Travers from distributors CinemaLive, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the BBC to bring Eurovision’s grand final live into cinemas across the UK for the second year in a row.

“We want audiences to enjoy themselves, so come along in groups, get your fancy dress on, and join together to enjoy this incredible occasion on the big screen”.

Tickets are now live and available to book at your local cinema here.

Read more:

Some of the participating Greater Manchester cinemas include Vue Manchester Printworks, Everymans in Manchester city centre and Altrincham, The Light in Stockport, and Cineworld in Didsbury, among others.

Featured Image – Nick Robinson (via BBC)

What's On

Beloved Thomas the Tank Engine replica is back travelling through Greater Manchester next month

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is once again making a long-awaited return to Greater Manchester next month.

And tickets are now on sale and already selling fast.

After delighting little Mancs and 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, and will return to its tracks this Early May Bank Holiday 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”.

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

Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making a long-awaited return to Greater Manchester / Credit: ELR

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.

“As well as taking a trip through Lancashire on Thomas, visitors will also meet Sodor’s Rusty and Dusty and Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy a host of activities offboard, so the experience will be a fun day out for all the family.”

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

“We’re thrilled to announce the return of Thomas the Tank Engine,” commented ELR’s Chairman, Mike Kelly, ahead of Thomas’ return next month.

“Day Out With Thomas events hold a special place in ELR’s calendar and 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 now on sale for all events throughout this year, including the Early May Bank Holiday weekend – with prices starting at £13.70 for kids, and £22.70 for adults.

Read more:

Grab your tickets here.

Featured Image – ELR

More What's On

Al Murray Greater Manchester tour dates

Salford

UK comedy legend Al Murray is playing two Greater Manchester shows this year

Matt and Phred's x Jimmy's takeover Manchester

Audio

Manc nightlife institution Matt and Phred’s is joining forces with Jimmy’s for a new live event series

Art & Culture

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 15 – 21 April 2024

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches