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.
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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.
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“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”.
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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.
A Thomas the Tank Engine replica steam train is travelling through Greater Manchester this summer
Emily Sergeant
Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making another return to Greater Manchester once again this summer.
But this time, it’s with a rock and roll twist.
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 this summer, arriving in a couple of weeks for a ‘rocking good’ time.
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 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.
Everyone’s favourite little blue engine is making another return to Greater Manchester this summer / 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.
On the Day Out With Thomas: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour, families will be able to watch and dance along to exciting live shows with Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty, join in the Thomas and Friends character hunt, have fun with garden games, keep the beat going at the ‘Music Corner’ packed with music-inspired fun, and so much more.
Thomas will be stopping at East Lancashire Railway this year on 18-19 July so there’s plenty of opportunities to see him, and tickets are now on sale.
Ticket prices start at £14.50 for kids, and £24 for adults.
Beloved sitcom Dinnerladies to return after 25 years with new stage show in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved sitcoms of all time is set to return after 25 years, but this time it’s coming to the stage in Manchester.
More than a quarter of a century after it was first screened on BBC One, a brand-new stage adaptation of Dinnerladies is planned for 2027, and it’ll feature a storyline inspired by the episodes and characters from the iconic original TV sitcom.
Making its premiere at Manchester Opera House in January, the new show is the first piece of the late Victoria Wood’s work to be commissioned by her Estate.
Adapted by Beth and Emma Kilcoyne, and directed by double Olivier-award winner Sean Foley, after debuting here Manchester, the production will then tour major theatres across the UK until August – with star Les Dennis as maintenance man Stan, and further casting to be announced soon.
Originally created, written by, and starring Bury comedy legend Victoria Wood, Dinnerladies ran for two acclaimed series and 16 episodes between 1998 and 2000, winning widespread critical plaudits and a devoted audience thanks to its warmth, wit, and brilliantly observed characters.
Dinnerladies is returning after 25 years with a new stage show in Manchester / Credit: BBC
Set in the canteen of fictional Manchester factory, HWD Components, the show followed the lives, friendships, and workplace dramas of the staff and regulars who gathered there every day.
Now, audiences will be reunited with the dinnerladies once again, as all the much-loved characters that made the show such a huge British comedy classic will feature in the play – including Bren, Tony, Dolly, Anita, Jean, Twinkle, and Philippa.
No matter whether you’re revisiting an old favourite or discovering it for the first time, the new Dinnerladies show is set to serve up a hilarious night out packed with heart, nostalgia, and plenty of surprises.
Dinnerladies will take to the stage at Manchester Opera House on 29 January 2027 and run right through to 6 February 2027 – with tickets going on sale this Friday (3 July).
Emily Sergeant -
15th June 2021 
