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.
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.
“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”.
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.
Huge vintage home show to take over historic Manchester building next month
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most historic buildings is set to host a huge home show full of vintage finds next month.
The Vintage Home Show is taking over Victoria Baths for their second event of the year.
For anyone looking to add a retro touch to their homes, this is a chance to feast your eyes on a carefully-curated collection of furniture, homeware, ceramics, artworks, vinyl records, and more stocked by more than 60 knowledgeable sellers in a welcoming atmosphere amid the empty Grade II-listed swimming pool.
Planning to renovate in a vintage style? Or looking for one missing piece of the puzzle? This event can help you track down that something special for your home.
From one-off minimalist pieces, to mass-market retro and kitsch classics, with prices for items starting from as little as £1, you’ll have the chance to shop the collections of dozens of quality independent dealers from right around the UK, all under one historic roof.
Browse a selection of vibrant stalls featuring pieces spanning from the mid-century decades to the bold brightness of the 1990s, and everything in between.
No matter what your budget, you’ll find that gorgeous something to suit your impeccable taste.
Once you’ve finished shopping everything you need to transform your home, you can stop off at Victoria Baths’ on-site cafe to treat yourself to a selection of cakes, savouries, pastries, and soup, as well as both hot and cold drinks.
A huge vintage home show will be taking over the historic Victoria Baths in Manchester next month / Credit: Vintage Home Show
The Vintage Home Fair will take over Victoria Baths on Sunday 5 October, kicking off from 10:30am for keen shoppers after ‘Early Bird’ entry, while ‘Standard Entry’ starts at 11am and runs through the day until 3:30pm.
Due to popularity, the event will be operating a timed ticket entry process, that way organisers can manage the numbers of visitors in the building at any one time to allow everyone a chance to see everything.
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Tickets are now on sale, priced anywhere from £2 to £6 depending on the time you go, so you simply need to arrive anytime within your allocated hour and stay as long as you wish.
Rochdale will be hosting its FIRST EVER comedy festival later month
Thomas Melia
There’s a comedy festival making its way to Rochdale for the first time ever, and it’s taking place over 10 days this autumn.
Rochdale is preparing for barrels of laughter, as the borough is about to host a comedy festival as part of its events programme for being crowned Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture for 2025-26.
The line-up features some well-renowned names in thecomedy world, many of whom have received awards and recognition along the way.
You can expect appearances from Lou Conran, who features as a regular support act for Sarah Millican, Tez Ilyas, from ‘Man Like Mobeen’, and TV comedy legend Mick Miller. There’s even some Britain’s Got Talent alumni in the form of last year’s finalist Alex Mitchell and 2017 semi-finalist Jonny Awsum.
Tez Ilyaz, Lou Conran and Brennan Reece are just some of the acts listed for Rochdale Comedy Festival / Credit: Supplied
Edinburgh Festival favourite Patrick Monahan will be performing along with English comedian of the year Rob Mullholland, Aaron Wood – named by Rolling Stone UK as one of the 12 rising comedy stars to see at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, and comedy musician Alex Camp.
The lineup also includes Robin Ince, co-host and creator of Sony Gold Award winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage, and a whole host of other stand-up acts who are all gearing up ready to make Rochdale giggle.
“Us northerners are famous for our sense of humour and there’s a big appetite for comedy,” commented Councillor Sue Smith, who is the cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council.
Rochdale Comedy Festival has an array of comedians taking part including Jonny Awsum and Daisy Earl / Credit: Supplied
“I’m happy to see Rochdale Comedy Festival launching during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
“It will bring together communities and give new comedians a chance to shine.”
So whether you’re in need of a cheer up, or you’re a comedy aficionado, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to crack a smile at Rochdale Comedy Festival, as it’s happening across 10 days from 26 September to 5 October in various venues across the Greater Manchester borough.
Emily Sergeant -
15th June 2021 
