Music trains - normal service or special service

[sheff1]

I'm a bit disappointed at the generally negative attitude displayed towards Northern and a select few other operators providing some exposure for the traditional music of these shores, and taking the initiative to bring something different and potentially memorable to what were some of their more lightly loaded trains.

However, on balance the TOCs undertaking such activities should ensure that these music trains are provided with a minimum of a two car unit, to give those not interested in the music somewhere to escape to as I imagine that it would be a bit of a daunting and unwelcome surprise for the unitiated not expecting a live music performance on their train.

It was certainly memorable ! On the two car unit I was on, these 'musicians' entered both carriages, along with crowds of followers who joined in with a singalong 'performance' and pestered other passengers to join in as well .

 

[sprinterguy]

It was certainly memorable ! On the two car unit I was on, these 'musicians' entered both carriages, along with crowds of followers who joined in with a singalong 'performance' and pestered other passengers to join in as well .

I have to say that that situation sounds like it would be a bit too much: Everyone should be entitled to a bit of peace and quiet during a train journey; if the musicians stuck to a single carriage then fair enough but if they are moving through the train then that is unneccessary: As I say, there should certainly be somewhere for people not interested in the on-train entertainment to escape to!

 

[SS4]

It was certainly memorable ! On the two car unit I was on, these 'musicians' entered both carriages, along with crowds of followers who joined in with a singalong 'performance' and pestered other passengers to join in as well .

Agreed, they should stick to one or two coaches. I wonder how many times you were called scrooge for not being a sheep? :roll:

 

[sheff1]

I wonder how many times you were called scrooge for not being a sheep? :roll:

Yes, definitely one of those 'where's your Christmas Spirit' occasions for those who didn't want to take part. :roll:

The thing is, if you were in a pub where this started you could drink up and leave. On a train, there is no escape.

 

[Seacook]

I was once at a boardgames convention where the hotel decided it was a really good idea to have some live jazz in the bar. The whole thing was a little less popular than they hoped - all the customers moved to another room until the set was over. It was the only time I had ever seen no one in the bar over a lunchtime. For some reason it was never repeated.

 

[Greenback]

Yes, definitely one of those 'where's your Christmas Spirit' occasions for those who didn't want to take part. :roll:

The thing is, if you were in a pub where this started you could drink up and leave. On a train, there is no escape.

Exactly! I've been to pubs and bars where the live music has been awful, either becuase the music wasn't my taste or the band was poor. Sometimes you can go into another part of the bar where they are not so audible, which you might be able to do on a train, depending on the numbe rof carriages.

I think if music trains take over regular services they should be very well advertised so that people can make alternative arrangements!

 

[northwichcat]

I just remembered that Metrolink have allowed choirs to sign Christmas carols on their services in the past.