This month, something a little different travelled between Widnes and Liverpool.
Two Music Train events, delivered under our Beyond the Tracks banner, brought live performance directly onto services operated by Northern Trains, turning an ordinary rail journey into a shared cultural experience. Passengers smiled, paused, listened and, in many cases, stayed on board a little longer than planned. For a short time, the railway became a stage.
The atmosphere on board was warm, relaxed and distinctly local. Creative talent from across Halton brought energy and personality to the journey, reminding us that our railways are not just transport links. They are part of our community story.
More Than a Moment
While the Music Trains were events in their own right, they also showed what community rail can achieve when partners work together.
By bringing creativity into the rail environment, we helped make the journey feel welcoming and vibrant. At the same time, we highlighted rail as an accessible and enjoyable way to travel. That combination supports our vision of Everyone Proud of Our Railways, because pride grows when people feel connected to the spaces they use.
Importantly, this was not a one-off.
Building on Creative Momentum
We are delighted to have been invited to collaborate further with the Culture 26: Made in Halton initiative. Recently, creative practitioners and community organisations gathered for a Creative Mixer at Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, an inspiring setting for new ideas and partnerships.
The evening created space for conversation about how we can continue to connect local talent with local railways. Whether through performance, heritage storytelling, interpretation or visual art, there is clear appetite to see stations and services used as platforms for creativity.
As a result, we will be exploring how future projects can celebrate the character, diversity and history of our communities while supporting sustainable travel and inclusive engagement.
Looking Ahead
Community rail is at its strongest when it listens, collaborates and experiments. The Music Trains were a great example of that spirit in action. Now, through continued partnership with Culture 26 and others, we have the opportunity to take that energy further.
We will continue to support innovative ideas that:
- Celebrate the values of our local railways
- Inspire pride in our towns and villages
- Encourage people to choose rail as a sustainable travel option
- Bring communities together in welcoming public spaces
Because ultimately, our goal remains simple. We want everyone across North Cheshire, Halton and Warrington to feel that the railway belongs to them.
And if that pride starts with a song on a train, then we are very happy to keep the music playing.
