If you’re looking to make some unique and lasting memories with the kids this summer, you probably can’t get much better than this.
Back by popular demand, iconic heritage railway service the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has announced that everyone’s favourite blue engine, Thomas the Tank Engine, will return to its tracks in just a couple of months time.
The Day Out With Thomas experience is back for four dates in August and October.
Billed as “a train ride like no other”, families will be able to hop on board the replica of the cult-classic blue train character for a 45-minute round trip through Burrs Country Park and Summerseat in Bury.
The journey begins at Bury Train Staion, where guests will be greeted by The Fat Controller, before Thomas makes a final stop at the beautiful Ramsbottom station.
ADVERTISEMENT
That’s not all though, as the Day Out With Thomas experience also continues offboard too, with performances from Sodor’s cheeky station sweepers Rusty and Dusty at Bury Transport Museum, as well as Thomas-themed activities in the ‘Imagination Station’, and other socially-distanced entertainment events, such as magic shows and more.
Our Day Out With Thomas tickets are now on sale for 2021. Join the Little Blue Engine 7 – 8 August and 2 – 3 October for a train ride unlike any other. 🚂🎈❤️
— East Lancashire Railway (@eastlancsrly) May 26, 2021
Speaking ahead of Thomas’ return this summer, Mike Kelly – Chairman of East Lancashire Railway – said: “It’s an understatement to say we are more than delighted that Thomas & Friends will be returning to the ELR in August and October.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I remember sitting down with my children and now grandchildren to read Thomas & Friends stories and watch them on TV, as Thomas the Tank Engine is such an iconic and much-loved childhood character – for both children and their parents alike, so Thomas’ return always brings so much joy to visitors of all ages and our volunteers who can get involved.
“After more than a year of lockdowns, we’re really pleased to be able to offer young people and their families a unique experience they can enjoy together.”
Day Out With Thomas returns to East Lancashire Railway this August / Credit: East Lancs Railway & Paul Michael Hughes Photography
Mr Kelly also assured that “safety measures are firmly in place” to allow visitors a “grand day out with peace of mind”.
ADVERTISEMENT
East Lancashire Railway has proudly been awarded a ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry standard and consumer mark by VisitBritain, with qualifying businesses must having demonstrated that they are adhering to the respective government and public health guidance, have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment, and have all required processes in place.
Day Out With Thomas will take place on Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 August, before returning to ELR in October.
An unmissable Whitney Houston tribute event is returning to Greater Manchester
Thomas Melia
A much-adored and cherished Whitney Houston tribute show is returning to Greater Manchester later this year for not one but two different shows, each channelling the charisma and energy of the pop legend.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the phenomenal theatre production, ‘Queen of the Night’, the show is visiting a multitude of stages and venues all across the UK.
0161 had to receive at least one date on this tour, partly due to being the music capital of the North and also due to the fact that this is a city many fans of the 80s diva will forever hold close to their hearts.
Houston played her final ever concert performance of her career here in this very city back in 2010, taking up residence in AO Arena for two nights of world-renowned ballads and mesmerising live vocals.
This tribute show is set to include some of the diva’s biggest and much-loved hits like ‘I Will Always Love You’, ‘How Will I Know’ and ‘The Greatest Love of All’, the audience is sure to be singing along.
Adenike Adewale is taking on the role of the American R’n’B Pop singer and is no stranger to the stage or TV, featuring on The Voice in 2021 where she sang a Whitney classic, making it to the semi-finals.
Fast forward to 1 June and the tour returns to Greater Manchester and legendary city centre space, Bridgewater Hall: an incredible room more than fit for renditions of the powerhouse vocalist.
A pair of stunning venues, two stunning shows and one incomparable voice.
It’s not only our lovely region the Queen of the Night experience will be visiting; our friends over at The Hoot have plenty of nearby opportunities to sing along too, with Yorkshire dates in Hull, Halifax, Harrogate and Bradford to name a few.
I’m definitely saving all my love for when this show visits us later this year in March, and after I buy out the front row for all my friends I’ll certainly relate to the smash 1993 single ‘I Have Nothing’.
Tickets are on sale already now – you can grab yours HERE.
Charlotte Dawson will be handing out compliments and big prizes in Manchester to brighten Blue Monday
Daisy Jackson
TV star Charlotte Dawson will be cheering up Blue Monday in Manchester, dishing out compliments to strangers and awarding some big prizes too.
The actress, who is the daughter of the legendary late Les Dawson, will be bringing her signature sunny energy to Printworks on Monday 20 January.
Otherwise known as Blue Monday, it’s believed that the third Monday in January is the most depressing day of the year – so she’s here to nip that in the bud.
Between 1pm and 3pm on the huge gaming screen inside Printworks – part of its £21m transformation that included adding a huge digital ceiling – Charlotte Dawson will be spreading joy and laughter.
She’ll be live streaming straight to passers-by, spreading smiles and dishing out compliments.
Charlotte will also be treating visitors to some amazing prizes from Printworks’ collection of bars, restaurants and leisure venues.
These prizes will include free brunch for four at Walkabout, gaming sessions at Bierkeller, or family cinema tickets with Ice Blasts at VUE. Other prizes include Nando’s vouchers, a drink and activity for two at the new Trax Social, and much more.
And the top prize will be a luxury overnight stay for two at Hotel Indigo, just across the road in the very heart of Manchester.
Charlotte Dawson will take part in Blue Monday at Printworks, Manchester
There’ll even be free coffee vouchers for Todd St Cafe on offer to brighten your Blue Monday.
Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to have Charlotte at Printworks this Blue Monday.
“As a true Mancunian icon, her vibrant personality is exactly what we need to brighten up the most depressing day of the year and we know she’ll bring plenty of laughs and smiles to everyone who stops by.
“What makes this event truly unique is the opportunity for the public to chat with Charlotte under Europe’s largest digital ceiling, which will showcase new mood-boosting content.
“It’s an innovative and exciting way for people to connect, and we can’t wait to see families and friends come together to create joyful memories in this truly unique setting!”
Emily Sergeant -
15th June 2021 
