New music festival on Llanfair Line

Live music comes to Llanfair Caereinion on June 8 when the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway holds its first ‘Rock ‘n’ Rails’ music festival.

Between 11am and 8pm, eight acts will take to the stage at Llanfair Caereinion station, with rock, country and folk all represented. Artists appearing include Hell’s Gazelles, Dan Dunlevy, Alex Worth, Shropshire Boatmen (pictured), Blue Genes, Karnival Knowledge, Barry Williams and James Charman.

Throughout the day there will be an on-site bar and refreshments available, and the railway is encouraging visitors to ‘take the train to the gig’. Free parking will be available at Welshpool Raven Square station, with regular fares applying on trains, and at the conclusion of the festival a special evening train will run from Llanfair Caereinion to Welshpool to return festival goers to their cars.

Organising the festival with the W&LLR is Stewart Charman, who is becoming well known under his Charman Promotions banner for live music events around the Welshpool area, and who is also a volunteer on the railway.

“Live music and railways go naturally together,” Stewart said. “We have attracted a wide range of music styles to our first Rock ‘n’ Rails event – there will be something for everyone.”

Rock ‘n’ Rails is the first of two major new events for 2019 on the Llanfair Line. On July 7 tere will be ‘Theatre from the Train’ – a first on a UK railway when travellers will be treated to a wide variety of entertainment and tableaux along the entire route of the line.

Organisers promise something different in every mile of the train journey, with a host of theatrical, drama and entertainment groups already signed up for the day. Pre-booking of train tickets is strongly advised for what is intended to be a once-only happening.

The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway is now running every day except Monday and Friday, while the tearoom at Llanfair Caereinion station is open daily. More information on all services, including the timetable and details of special events, can be obtained from the website at www.wllr.org.uk and travel tickets can also be booked through the website. Alternatively intending visitors can call 01938 810441 for further information.

PICTURE: Among the eight artists appearing at Rock ‘n’ Rails, the Shropshire Boatmen.