Live music onboard trains across Cheshire and Halton
This May, Beyond the Tracks Music Trains return with live onboard performances between Runcorn and Chester. The event brings music, culture and community rail together once again across Cheshire and Halton.
North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership supports and funds the latest Music Train event. The initiative celebrates local creativity through relaxed live performances on scheduled passenger services. As a result, passengers can enjoy live music during journeys between Runcorn, Frodsham, Helsby and Chester.
The initiative forms part of NCCRP’s wider work to connect communities with their railways through culture, sustainable travel and inclusive community experiences.
The event takes place on Thursday 28 May 2026. Standard rail fares apply and the music is free to enjoy.
Live music returns to the railway
The latest Beyond the Tracks Music Trains celebrate the growing role of community rail in connecting people, places and cultural experiences across the region.
This time, the project also highlights direct rail connections between Halton, Chester and North Wales. As a result, the event encourages sustainable and accessible travel across the wider area.
Passengers travelling on selected services can enjoy live onboard performances from Liverpool-based group The Too-Hot Trio.
The trio perform a lively mix of rockabilly, western swing, jazz and blues. Their music draws inspiration from artists including Bob Wills and Carl Perkins. Their acoustic style creates a relaxed atmosphere that complements the journey experience while allowing passengers to travel as normal.
The group features Rusty Williams on vocals, Billy Buckley on guitar and HB on rhythm section duties.
Meet The Too-Hot Trio
The Too-Hot Trio are known for energetic live performances and classic American roots music influences. Their performances combine strong vocals, lively guitar work and rhythm-driven arrangements. Together, they create a sound that suits live music on the railway.music on the railway.
As part of the Beyond the Tracks Music Trains, the trio will perform onboard scheduled services between Runcorn and Chester during the event on Thursday 28 May.
You can follow The Too-Hot Trio on Facebook or listen via The Too-Hot Trio YouTube channel.
Train times and route information
Live performances are planned on the following services on Thursday 28 May 2026.
From Runcorn
- 10:06 departure
- 14:06 departure
From Chester
- 10:43 departure
- 15:41 departure
Services also call at Frodsham and Helsby. This allows passengers across the route to enjoy the performances while travelling.
Performances are designed to operate alongside normal passenger services. However, arrangements may occasionally change if trains become particularly busy or operational conditions require adjustments.
Part of Culture 26 Made in Halton
Beyond the Tracks Music Trains form part of the wider Culture 26: Made in Halton programme, which celebrates creativity, culture and community across the borough.
Cultural organisations, transport partners and community rail organisations support the events together. Their partnership helps create welcoming experiences while encouraging sustainable travel choices.
Partners supporting the initiative include InWidnes, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Metro Mayor Liverpool City Region, Halton Borough Council, Cultivate Halton, Transport for Wales and Liverpool Music North.
As a funding and supporting partner, North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership continues to help develop projects that strengthen the connection between railways and the communities they serve.
Through initiatives such as Beyond the Tracks Music Trains, the partnership creates welcoming rail experiences. It also encourages sustainable travel and supports local creativity.
Experience a rail journey with a difference
Beyond the Tracks Music Trains offer a different kind of journey experience. Passengers can enjoy live performances in a relaxed and accessible setting. Many may travel for the music, visit Chester or connect towards North Wales.
Passengers can also share their journey experiences on social media using #BeyondTheTracks and #Culture26.
Step onboard this May and enjoy live music, sustainable travel and community rail in action.
