Folklore: Manchester Folk Trains

Subject: Folklore: Manchester Folk Trains
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 10 Mar 11 - 03:29 PM

Various trains run out of Manchester, and Sheffield, with folk bands and such like playing live music as they go, then at a pub in The Peak District then also on the return journey.

Does naybody know how this is organised or how to get a band on the train?

L in C#
pp The Beech Bnd

Subject: RE: Folklore: Manchester Folk Trains
From: Edthefolkie
Date: 10 Mar 11 - 03:55 PM

Les, here's the website; the organisers (South Riding Folk Arts Network) are at the bottom of the home page.
http://www.folktrain.org.uk/

I haven't travelled yet but get regular reports from a frequent passenger. Apparently it's a really good evening out.

However, it does get packed cos they use Pacers - think Bendy Bus on rail wheels! Pub gets packed out too.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Manchester Folk Trains
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 11 Mar 11 - 02:41 AM

Thanks folks, I found a Manchester number in the info and will bother them shortly. I have been on 2 or 3 with Chorlton Folk Club. It was great fun. I think The Beech Band could offer a good day out if we get the chance

L in C#

Subject: RE: Folklore: Manchester Folk Trains
From: GUEST,Folkiedave
Date: 11 Mar 11 - 03:22 AM

The answer of course will come from that epicentre of the folk universe - Sheffield.

http://www.folktrain.org.uk/

:-)
South Riding Folk Network doesn't really exist anymore.

But Gerry Bates does - he will surely help if you contact him.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Manchester Folk Trains
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 11 Mar 11 - 03:27 AM

Thanks Dave,I will give him abuzz

L in C#

Subject: RE: Folklore: Manchester Folk Trains
From: Max Johnson
Date: 11 Mar 11 - 05:59 AM

I think they used to do this from Bradford when I lived there about ten years ago, although I regret to say I never went. There was music on the train, and everyone ordered fish and chips to pick up at the other end.
Can any Bradfordians confirm this?

Subject: RE: Folklore: Manchester Folk Trains
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 11 Mar 11 - 07:06 AM

No chance of a sesh on the Eccles Tram (via Media City) then? Shame...

Subject: RE: Folklore: Manchester Folk Trains
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 11 Mar 11 - 07:45 AM

Hi Sean,

the Metro people are not keen on much other than sitting nicely. We could travel in on the tram, Flash Mob around town then return playing a bit before we got off?

Cheers
Les

Subject: RE: Folklore: Manchester Folk Trains
From: DrugCrazed
Date: 11 Mar 11 - 07:48 AM

@Suibhne: Next time I'm home I'm up for that

Subject: RE: Folklore: Manchester Folk Trains
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 11 Mar 11 - 08:12 AM

Sounds like a plan. A nice Big Sing with John J leading a hearty chorus of Thousands or More? It'll help pass the time from the Ladywell P&R to Picadilly anyway!

Subject: RE: Folklore: Manchester Folk Trains
From: Bernard
Date: 11 Mar 11 - 10:03 AM

Les - I'm a regular performer on the trains (since October 1999), and can put you in touch with Margaret who now organises the Manchester end since Tony retired through ill health. With your permission I'll send her your email address - I would never pass an address on without permission.

There are trains (all normal commuter services) from Manchester to Hathersage (Saturdays), Glossop (Tuesdays) and Plumley (Wednesdays), and I also did the annual Chinley Winter Ale Festival a couple of Saturdays ago.

Passengers buy an ordinary rail ticket, and are entertained by the 'turn' on the outward trip. On arrival at the destination, everyone heads for the pub (Hathersage Little John, Glossop Labour Club and Plumley Golden Pheasant), where the turn entertains until the return train is due. There's another session on the return journey, so it's excellent value for money.

I'll post more later, as I'm pushed for time at the moment!

Subject: RE: Folklore: Manchester Folk Trains
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 11 Mar 11 - 10:41 AM

Thanks Bernard others have directed me to Margaret and she has been most helpful. Thanks for all your other details much of which I didn't know.

Cheers
L in C#