Have your taken a ride on one of the Mid-Cheshire Music Trains yet? This superb programme, organised by Mid-Cheshire Community Rail Partnership (THE MUSIC TRAIN – Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership), has been running since 2007. The new dates for 2026 have just been confirmed; book you place!
How does it work?
You get on the allocated train and enjoy live music from a band as you all travel to a station close to a chosen pub. Once at the pub, the musicians will play again and attendees can enjoy some food and drinks, before returning to the station for the train back to where it all started.
The train carriage used is just a ‘usual’ one, so there will be other passengers on board too. Simple buy a train ticket as normal and enjoy the music for free, although donations for the musicians would be welcome.
Those attending would also need to buy their own food and drinks at the chosen destination.
When and where?
The Music Trains for 2026 are as follows:
23 April (evening) from Chester to Plumley (for food at the Golden Pheasant)
14 May (evening) from Altrincham to Mouldsworth (for food at The Goshawk)
11 June (afternoon) from Chester to Altrincham (for food at The Station Hotel)
30 July (evening) from Chester to Plumley (for food at the Golden Pheasant)
24 September (evening) from Altrincham to Mouldsworth (for food at The Goshawk)
The train can be joined at any station along the route. Keep an eye out for the signs on the carriage window to identify which is the one you want! If you’re unable to join the train but would like to hear the live music, simply drop into the pub to enjoy the entertainment.
Want to attend?
If you’re planning to attend one of these open Music Trains, please send a message to musictrains@midcheshirerail.org.uk, indicating which date you would like to join the Music Train for. There is no charge at this time; registering your interest will allow the organisers to know how many people will join so the pubs can be given some warning.
Alternatively, you can ask the programme team to arrange a bespoke Music Train for a group of 30 or more on a weekday (daytime or evening).