Community rail, culture and sustainable travel come together onboard Transport for Wales services
North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership was delighted to support and fund the latest Beyond the Tracks Music Trains event, which brought live music directly onto rail services between Runcorn and Chester on Thursday 28 May.
Building on the wider Beyond the Tracks project and Culture 26: Made in Halton programme, the event transformed selected rail journeys into unique cultural experiences. In turn, passengers travelling through Runcorn, Frodsham, Helsby and Chester enjoyed live performances from Liverpool-based group The Too-Hot Trio.
Performing a lively mix of rockabilly, western swing, jazz and blues, the trio entertained commuters, leisure passengers and visitors from across the region. Their music created a welcoming atmosphere throughout the day and brought an unexpected soundtrack to everyday rail journeys.
Music that brought people together
From the first departure, the performances attracted smiles, applause and plenty of interest from passengers travelling on the route.
Children danced to the music, passengers tapped their feet to familiar tunes and many stopped to chat with the musicians between performances. As a result, the event created a shared experience that brought people together while travelling by rail.
One particularly memorable moment came when the band performed a lively version of I Wanna Be Like You from Disney’s The Jungle Book. The song proved popular with passengers of all ages and helped create a fun atmosphere onboard.
The reaction from passengers was overwhelmingly positive. Among those enjoying the performances was a visitor from the United States, who described the Music Trains as “the best thing I’ve seen on my trip to the UK so far.”
Comments such as these demonstrate how community rail projects can create memorable experiences while showcasing the unique character of the communities they serve.
Connecting communities through culture and rail
The Music Trains formed part of North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership’s ongoing commitment to connecting communities with their railways through culture, sustainable travel and inclusive experiences.
By bringing live music directly onto scheduled rail services, the initiative encouraged passengers to experience rail travel differently. Rather than simply travelling from one destination to another, passengers became part of a shared community experience that celebrated local creativity and regional identity.
The event also highlighted the important rail connections between Halton, Cheshire and North Wales. At the same time, it demonstrated how railways can support cultural activities that benefit residents, visitors and local communities.
Supporting the wider Beyond the Tracks project
The Music Trains build on the success of the wider Beyond the Tracks initiative, an accessible music trail linking Widnes Station and Runcorn Station through 17 locations that celebrate Halton’s rich musical heritage.
Together, the trail and Music Trains demonstrate how railways can support cultural discovery, sustainable tourism and stronger community connections.
The project also highlights the important role that railways continue to play in connecting communities, supporting visitor destinations and encouraging sustainable travel across the region.
Thank you to our partners
North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership would like to thank The Too-Hot Trio, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast and Halton Borough Council and all the project partners who helped make the event possible.
We would also like to thank the many passengers who joined the journey, shared their enthusiasm and helped create such a positive atmosphere throughout the day.
The positive response from passengers showed just how much people value experiences that bring communities together through culture and rail travel.
North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership looks forward to working with partners to explore future opportunities for Music Trains and similar community rail initiatives across the region.
Events such as Beyond the Tracks Music Trains demonstrate how railways can play an active role within our communities. They support local culture, encourage sustainable travel and create memorable experiences that help people feel more connected to their railway.
