Why not enjoy a morning of folk music, real ale and vintage rail travel, courtesy of The Met and the East Lancashire Railway?

The Big Whistle Rail Ale Trail will take you on a steam journey to the beautiful Lancashire town of Ramsbottom, where you will enjoy fine real ale, listen to folk music, visit a micro-brewery and eat a hearty meal – bringing you back to Bury in time to enjoy the afternoon’s events at the Big Whistle Festival.

The day starts at 10am at The Trackside pub adjacent to Bury’s East Lancashire railway station, where you will meet your guide before hopping onboard the steam train to Ramsbottom. Mark, the tour guide will introduce Ramsbottom, a thriving town with a wealth of history and pubs. The tour will then take you to your first stop at The Railway pub to watch a live performance by folk band Drop the Floor whilst sipping a pint of delicious local ale, before making your way to Ramsbottom’s micro-brewery Irwell Works. There you will be treated to a hearty home-made beef and ale pie (vegetarian option also available) whilst listening again to Drop the Floor. A heritage diesel train will take you back to Bury, arriving in time (1.20pm) for the afternoon’s Big Whistle performances at The Met.

This event is not included in the Big Whistle Weekend Ticket or Saturday Ticket.