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Luxury train to offer fireworks spectacle and seven-course banquet on journey from Preston

Posted on - 23rd October, 2024 - 6:00pm | Author - | Posted in - Eating & Drinking, Preston City Centre, Preston News, Preston Railway Station, What's On in Preston
Northern Belle train guard on the platform Pic: Northern Belle
The Northern Belle will set out from Preston on Saturday 2 November at 1.20pm Pic: Northern Belle

There will be fireworks when “Britain’s poshest train” heads sets out from Preston three days before Bonfire Night.

Passengers will be given a front row view of a spectacular 15-minute pyrotechnics display from the 1930s Pullman-style Northern Belle.

While it takes place, they will be sipping champagne and tucking into a seven-course banquet prepared by celebrated head chef Matthew Green.

The luxury train, once part of the iconic Orient Express set-up, will halt on a viaduct overlooking Arnside Pier on the evening of Saturday 2 November.

Read more: Fireworks displays for Bonfire Night 2024 in and around Preston

A spokesperson said: “The evening will certainly go with a bang – in fact many of them – for our lucky passengers.

“This annual trip is always one of our most popular we run and it is a truly spectacular sight to see the fireworks reflected in the estuary waters below.”

The luxury interior of the Northern Belle Pic: Northern Belle
The luxury interior of the Northern Belle Pic: Northern Belle

The Northern Belle even has its own resident band to serenade passengers while a conjuror wanders through the carriages to add an extra touch of magic.

Actor Bill Nighy described it as “the Grand Dame of luxury travel” when it featured on Channel 5’s The World’s Most Scenic Railways programme. 

The train, hauled by a vintage diesel locomotive, will leave Preston station at 1.20pm before picking up more passengers at Liverpool and Manchester. It is scheduled to arrive back in the city at 8.10pm.

Fares on the Northern Belle, which will return to the city for a slap-up Christmas Lunch special trip on Thursday 5 December 5, start at £295.

For more details and to book, visit the Northern Belle website.

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This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.

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