Avanti West Coast will host exhibition train, Inspiration, at Stockport station during its latest stop celebrating the UK’s railways.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Avanti West Coast is set to welcome a unique exhibition train at Stockport station next week as part of celebrations to mark 200 years of the UK\u2019s railways.<\/p>\n
Named Inspiration, the exhibition train, co-curated by the National Railway Museum and Network Rail, will pull into platform 0 from Friday 1 until Wednesday 6 May giving people the opportunity to learn about the past, present and future of rail.<\/p>\n
The free attraction is part of a campaign to mark the industry anniversary known as Railway 200. It will offer visitors the chance to come onboard to experience a series of four exhibitions set across different carriages.<\/p>\n
Designed to showcase the history, innovations and careers of the railway, Inspiration, features interactive displays as well as activities for people of all ages.<\/p>\n
Inspiration reveals how railways shaped the UK \u2013 and ultimately the world. It includes a fascinating look at railway firsts, hands-on engineering challenges and a whistle stop tour of some of the interesting, and lesser-known, careers available on the railways.<\/p>\n
The train\u2019s visit to Stockport will be hosted by Avanti West Coast, who manage the station. It will be stop number 52 on its tour of the UK, which formed part of the Railway 200 celebrations in 2025 and is due to end in June 2026. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Local railway groups and organisations will showcase nearby rail attractions, while musicians will perform songs linked to the station\u2019s underpass art installation, which celebrates the town\u2019s music scene.<\/p>\n
From Saturday 2 \u2013 Monday 4 May, guided tours by Stockport Music Story \u2013 a project which documents Stockport\u2019s musical history \u2013 will take visitors around sites that played an important role in the development of the town\u2019s musical legacy.<\/p>\n
Record producer and rail enthusiast, Pete Waterman, and his team of rail fans, Railnuts, will join the weekend\u2019s events by displaying the latest addition to their record-breaking model railway \u2013 a tiny version of Inspiration.<\/p>\n
Lisa Musgrave, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Stockport, said: \u201cIt\u2019s great to be hosting this special train at Stockport as part of its tour to highlight the station\u2019s role in connecting people and places. We\u2019re joining the community to celebrate 200 years of the railways and look to the future, showcasing its importance in Stockport, and across the UK. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe train\u2019s visit promises to be an exciting event, and we cannot wait to welcome people. We hope to inspire a passion for rail among the next generation, so our railways continue to thrive for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emma Roberts, Programme Manager for Railway 200, said: \u201cInspiration is coming to Stockport over the Bank Holiday weekend \u2013 and it\u2019s shaping up to be a really special stop.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only can locals visit our free, one-of-a-kind exhibition train they can also enjoy music, tours, and Pete Waterman OBE\u2019s record-breaking model railway. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!\u201d<\/p>\n