https://www.trackplay.co.uk/events#lancashire

Fun With Trains Bolton, Bolton (2026)

27/01/2026

Ooooh… we’ve found somewhere new 🚂

A little teaser for our Fun With Trains families…

✨ Clues time:

• A purpose-built, modern community centre
• Light, bright, and welcoming

• High ceilings with beautiful beams overhead
• A space designed for people coming together
• Full of possibility (and a very satisfying floor for play)

• Somewhere in Preston 👀

We’re always on the lookout for venues that feel right for imagination, connection, and relaxed family play, and this one definitely caught our eye.

We are heading home to share the news with Willow, Whistle and the crew.

No reveal just yet… but if you’re local to Preston keep watching this space 👀💙

Any guesses? Drop them below

27/01/2026

The Tea-to-Coal Ratio: We’re Slightly Delayed! ☕️🍪

We’re about five minutes away from setting off for North Lancashire, but as any seasoned railway traveller knows, we are currently "slightly delayed." Why? Because in this shed, the kettle must always have the final say! 🫖✨

It’s a scientific fact that Northwest railway staff run on a very specific fuel—roughly 10% pure ambition and 90% ludicrous amounts of strong, builder's tea.

Emily is currently orchestrating the "Great Flask Fill-Up," ensuring we have enough caffeine to power us through the M6 traffic. Neil, who usually doesn't say much, has made it very clear that the Land Rover doesn't move an inch until his giant enamel mug is topped up and he’s had a couple of digestives for "structural integrity." 🧔‍♂️🍪

Willow is taking the tea duty very seriously, balancing a tray with the kind of focus usually reserved for polishing Whistle’s brass. They’re still a bit jumpy, though—keeping a sharp eye on the biscuits just in case the "Shed Ghost" has a sweet tooth. 🦖👻

And of course, the Queen of the Shed is overseeing the delay. Smokey has perched herself regally atop the biscuit tin, judging our milk-to-tea ratios with a twitch of her whiskers. 🐈‍⬛👑

North Lancashire, we’re coming for you... just as soon as the last drop is poured! 🚂💨

Can you guess where our road trip will take us, Guess below, also suggestion for good brew locations welcome 👇☕

27/01/2026

Tuesday Morning: The Grand Venue Hunt! 🗺️🔍🚂

The map of Lancashire is looking a little crowded in the shed this morning! After yesterday's announcement about spreading our wings beyond Bolton, our workshop has turned into a proper research centre. We know where we’ve been, but we are incredibly excited about where we could go next.

Emily is currently knee-deep in spreadsheets and browser tabs, looking professional in a fresh blouse and her black trousers. She’s not just looking for any hall; she’s looking for spaces that truly understand the importance of inclusive play. Her clipboard is filled with notes on level access, quiet zones, and community vibes. She’s determined to find venues that welcome our specific programme of events with open arms. 👩‍🔧📋

Neil is leaning over the workbench, tracing the roads leading out toward the neighbouring towns. He’s got his ginger-and-silver ponytail tied back and a thoughtful look in his eyes. He’s thinking about the logistics—parking for the van, wide doorways for the track crates, and, of course, the nearest spot for a decent brew. He’s ready for the heavy lifting; he just needs the destination! 🧔‍♂️📍

Willow is peering at the map, perhaps looking for a town with a particularly nice park or a friendly community centre. Our resident dinosaur is a huge fan of meeting new faces, and the prospect of a new territory to explore is making the shed feel very lively this morning. 🦖✨

Smokey has decided that her favourite new venue is currently the top of the printer. As the official Foreman, she’s keeping a close eye on every lead that Emily prints out. If a venue doesn't meet her tuxedo-standard for comfort, it isn't going on the list! 🐈‍⬛🐾

Whistle is waiting in the grey light of her siding, her brasswork polished and her colour looking vibrant. She’s a well-travelled engine, but she’s always got room for one more stop on her itinerary. 🚂💨

We need your help! We’re looking for venues outside of Bolton—places in Bury, Chorley, Blackburn, or beyond. If you know a hall or community space that would love a visit from a dinosaur and a steam engine, let us know in the comments!

26/01/2026

📱 Monday Morning: Burnley, we’re coming for you! 🚂📍✨
We know we’ve been a bit quiet lately—the shed has been a hive of activity and the phone hasn't stopped ringing! But we are finally coming up for air to officially announce the second stop of our February half-term tour.

On Sunday the 22nd of February, we’ll be bringing the magic to our friends at Basically Cheer CIC in Burnley!

Emily has been working overtime to get the logistics perfectly tuned. She’s looking as sharp as ever today in a crisp blouse and her black trousers, clipboard in hand, finalising the programme. She’s especially proud to confirm that we’ll be running our signature three-session schedule to make sure everyone gets their turn on the tracks. 👩‍🔧📋

Neil is already prepping the Burnley-bound crates. With his powerful rugby-player frame and broad shoulders, he’s been navigating the grey storage corners of the shed to find the heavy-duty gear. He’s got his ginger-and-silver ponytail tied back tight, moving the equipment with a grin—he knows the Burnley crowd always brings a fantastic atmosphere. 🧔‍♂️📦

Willow is practically vibrating with excitement. Our resident dinosaur is currently helping Emily mark the Burnley date on our big wall map of Lancashire. It’s such a wonderful, welcoming space at Basically Cheer, and Willow can’t wait to see all the familiar faces (and meet some new ones!). 🦖📌

Smokey is currently "auditing" the Burnley flyers by sitting directly on top of them. As our official Foreman, she doesn't let anything leave the shed without a tuxedo-standard inspection. She seems to think her black-and-white colour scheme matches the "Basically Cheer" vibe perfectly! 🐈‍⬛🐾

Whistle is sitting pretty, her brasswork gleaming and her moving parts freshly oiled. She knows she has a busy February ahead, starting with her birthday at Walmsley and followed closely by this trip to Burnley. 🚂💨

🕒 Burnley Session Times (Sunday 22nd Feb):

Session 1: 09:30 – 11:00
Session 2: 11:15 – 12:45
SEND Session: 13:00 – 14:30 (Our quieter, more relaxed session)

We can’t wait to see you all in Burnley! Who’s joining us for the fun? Let us know in the comments! 👇

25/01/2026

Today in the Shed: The Sunday Standby 🌙🚂🤫

The kettle has just whistled for the final time this evening, and the shed is settling into that quiet, anticipatory hum that precedes a big week. The tools are wiped down, the benches are clear, and for the first time in days, the master calendar is looking very, very busy.

Emily is still at the main desk, the soft glow of her lamp catching the focused expression she only wears when a big programme is about to launch. Looking smart and professional in her blouse and black trousers, she’s doing one last audit of her clipboard. There’s a certain light in her eyes tonight—the kind that says she’s finally ready to start sharing what we’ve been working on behind the scenes. 👩‍🔧📋

Neil is leaning against the workbench with a well-earned brew, watching the steam rise in the cool evening air. He’s got his messy ginger-and-silver ponytail tied back, and even though the workday is over, he’s still got a spanner in his pocket "just in case." With his powerful rugby-player build, he’s spent the day shifting crates to ensure everything is "road-ready." He’s a man of few words tonight, but the grin in his beard tells us he’s ready for the heavy lifting to begin. 🧔‍♂️☕

Willow is resting in the high-ceilinged shadows. Our resident dinosaur has a way of making the shed feel small, but tonight Willow is just a gentle, watchful presence. There’s been a lot of talk about maps and travel today, and Willow seems to be dreaming of the new friends we’re about to make. 🦖✨

Smokey has claimed the "Current Projects" tray as her bed. As our Foreman, she’s performed a final patrol and is now providing some very fluffy oversight to the paperwork. She knows exactly what’s coming tomorrow, but she isn’t letting anything slip. 🐈‍⬛💤

Whistle is sitting quietly, her brasswork catching the grey twilight. Her colour looks deep and rich in the dim light, and she seems to be humming with a tiny bit of leftover steam, just waiting for the signal. 🚂💨

Tomorrow morning, the first big piece of the February puzzle is revealed. See you then!

22/01/2026

📱 Thursday Morning: The Half-Term Hustle! 📞🚂🗓️
If you hear a constant ringing coming from the shed today, don’t worry—it’s just the command centre in full swing! Emily is officially on a mission to secure three events for the half-term break, and the phone hasn't stopped since the shed doors opened.
Emily is currently pacing the floor with the phone glued to her ear. She’s looking every bit the professional boss in a fresh blouse and her signature black trousers, clipboard tucked under one arm as she negotiates dates and loading times. She has that focused "boss" energy today—she’s determined to make sure the "Birthday Express" reaches as many people as possible this February! 👩‍🔧📞
Neil is standing by the big map of Lancashire, as he waits for a "thumbs up" from Emily. He’s got his ginger-and-silver ponytail pulled back and is currently sketching out potential equipment lists for the venues being discussed. For a man, he’s surprisingly light on his feet as he moves between the workbench and the blueprints! 🧔‍♂️📍
Willow is helping to keep the programme organised by acting as a living whiteboard holder. Every time a detail is confirmed, Willow points to the next location on the list. It’s a real team effort to keep all these plates spinning! 🦖📋
Smokey has decided that the telephone cord is her new favourite toy. Every time the line rings, she’s there to give it a "supervisory" pat. She seems to think that if she bats the phone enough, we might book an event at a local creamery instead! 🐈‍⬛🐾
Whistle is watching the chaos with a quiet hiss of grey steam. She knows that three events mean a lot of travelling and a lot of work, but she’s already vibrating with excitement. The more tracks to run on, the happier she is! 🚂💨
It’s a bit of a juggle, but we’re determined to bring the magic to three different spots this February, including our big birthday bash at Walmsley. Wish us luck!
Where would you like to see us stop this February? Let us know in the comments! 👇

21/01/2026

📱 SAVE THE DATE: Our 1st Birthday Party! 🎂🥳🎈
We can hardly believe it, but it’s almost been a whole year since we first set the tracks in motion! To celebrate, we are throwing a massive 1st Birthday Party on Sunday the 15th of February at the lovely Walmsley Parish Church Hall.

The team is already busy with the party prep:

Emily (The Boss!) has been at the hall with her tape measure and clipboard, looking sharp and focused in her Sunday blouse and black trousers. She’s currently mapping out the layout to ensure we can fit the maximum amount of track—and birthday cake—into the space! 👩‍🔧📋

Neil is in his element, checking the floor levels and planning the heavy lifting. His 6ft 2" frame makes the hall look a little smaller than usual, but he’s confident his "rugby forward" build is more than up to the task of getting Whistle and the gear inside. He’s already scoped out the local area for a post-party celebratory pint! 🧔‍♂️🍻

Willow is particularly excited about the high ceilings at Walmsley. It’s the perfect place for a dinosaur to celebrate a birthday! Willow is currently helping Emily envision where the "Birthday Express" will run. 🦖✨

Smokey has already visited for a "reconnaissance mission" and has given the hall her seal of approval. She’s found a particularly sunny spot near the radiator that she intends to claim as her official Birthday Observation Post. 🐈‍⬛☀️

Whistle is being given an extra-special polish for the occasion. She knows this is a big day, and she’s determined to be the brightest colour in the room when those doors open. 🚂💨

We’d love for you to join us to celebrate a year of steam, tracks, and dinosaur magic. It’s going to be a birthday to remember!

Who’s coming to the party? Let us know in the comments and keep an eye out for more details! 👇

20/01/2026

📱 Road Trip Tuesday: Scouting the County! 🚗🗺️🦖
The shed doors are locked, the van is fuelled up, and the Lancashire expedition is officially underway! We’ve narrowed down our list of potential venues, but you can’t judge a loading bay or a ceiling height from a map—you’ve got to get out there and stand in the space.

Neil is, of course, at the wheel. Seeing a 6ft 2" man with a rugby-player build and a wild ginger ponytail trying to get comfortable in a van driver's seat is always a bit of a laugh, but he’s a master at navigating those narrow Lancashire backroads. He’s already spotted three potential "chippy" stops for the return journey. 🧔‍♂️🚐

Emily is in the passenger seat, acting as the ultimate navigator. She’s looking sharp in her traveling blouse and black trousers, clipboard held tight. She isn't just looking at the scenery; she’s timing the drive, checking the access for the trailer, and making sure we don't take any "scenic routes" that end in a low bridge! 👩‍🔧📋

Willow (at 6ft 6") is currently taking up most of the back of the van. There’s a lot of dinosaur to fit into a transit, but Willow doesn't mind as long as there’s a window to look out of. Every time we pass a park or a school, Willow gives a little wave—we’ve certainly been turning some heads on the M61 this morning! 🦖👋

Smokey and Whistle have been left in charge of the shed. Smokey was last seen curled up on a warm patch of the workbench, and Whistle is cooling her heels in the grey morning light, likely relieved she doesn't have to navigate any roundabouts today. 🚂🐈‍⬛

We’re looking for high ceilings, level floors, and a great atmosphere for our next programme of events. It’s a long day of driving, but the excitement is building!

We’re heading through central Lancashire today—if you see a van with a dinosaur in the back, give us a honk! Any recommendations for a good brew-stop near Chorley or Preston? 👇

19/01/2026

Where to next? The big search begins... 🗺️📍🦖
Monday morning in the shed, and the floor-plan maps have been swapped for something much bigger. We have a massive, vintage-style map of Lancashire pinned up, and the whole team is huddled around it, debating our next adventure.
Neil is currently leaning in close, his broad 6ft 2" shoulders almost covering the Fylde coast. He’s got his ginger-and-silver ponytail pulled back and a heavy carpenter’s pencil behind his ear. He’s looking at the logistics of the terrain—thinking about the heavy lifting and the loading bays. For a man with a "rugby forward" build, he’s surprisingly precise when it comes to map-reading! 🧔‍♂️🔍
Emily is standing beside him, her clipboard at the ready. She’s looking very professional in a crisp blouse and her black trousers—she needs the freedom to move as she paces out the potential floor spaces of different venues. She isn't just looking at the dots on the map; she’s calculating ceiling heights and tea-station accessibility. She’s the one making sure our next programme of events is actually feasible. 👩‍🔧📋
Willow (at 6ft 6") is looking at the high points of the map, perhaps wondering if there’s a venue with a high enough roof for a dinosaur to feel at home! Willow’s presence always reminds us that we need space to breathe and room for the kids to run. 🦖✨
Smokey has decided that her favourite part of Lancashire is currently Preston, mostly because she’s sitting directly on top of it. She’s batting at the red pins Emily is trying to stick into the board, clearly suggesting that wherever we go, there better be a very comfortable rag pile waiting for her. 🐈‍⬛🐾
Whistle is watching from the tracks, her brass fittings catching the light. She doesn't mind where we go, as long as the rails are sturdy and the welcome is warm. She let out a tiny puff of grey steam as if to say, "Just pick one and let’s get moving!" 🚂💨
It’s a big decision. From the hills to the coast, we want the perfect spot for our next big build.
Where would you like to see us? If you have a favourite Lancashire venue that needs a visit from a dinosaur and a steam engine, let us know in the comments! 👇

18/01/2026

And breathe... ☕🚂💤

If the shed was busy yesterday, today it is positively sleepy. After pulling a double shift to get Whistle gleaming for half-term, the whole crew officially has "Sunday Mode" engaged.

Whistle herself is sitting proudly in the centre of the shed. The hard work paid off—her paintwork has its deep colour back, and her brass fittings are catching the pale Sunday light beautifully. She’s simmering very quietly, letting off just enough warmth to keep the shed cozy.

As for the team:

Neil has taken over the entire crew bench. His 6ft 2", broad-shouldered frame is sprawled out, and he’s currently fast asleep with a newspaper over his face. The ginger-and-silver ponytail is loose today, and his hands are finally scrubbed clean of engine grease. 🧔‍♂️💤

Emily is actually sitting down! She’s found a quiet corner near the heater, nursing the biggest mug of tea we own. She’s still looking sharp in her blouse and trousers, but the clipboard is nowhere to be seen. She’s just admiring the shine on the safety valves she spent hours polishing. 👩‍🔧☕

Willow (all 6ft 6" of dinosaur calm) is sitting on a large crate, quietly reading a book on railway history, enjoying the peace before the half-term madness begins. 🦖📖

And Smokey, our foreman? She’s decided her supervision duties are over for the week. She is curled up in a tight black-and-white ball on a pile of clean rags right next to Whistle’s warm firebox, snoring louder than Neil. 🐈‍⬛💤

It’s a well-earned rest for everyone. We hope your Sunday is just as peaceful!

How are you recharging today? Let us know! 👇

17/01/2026

Good Morning Everyone,

My name is Dalton, and I am the new Holding Manager of The Blundell Arms in the beautiful town of Horwich! I’ve been with Chef & Brewer for 6 fantastic years and am truly honoured to be continuing my journey at this amazing pub. I’ve received the warmest welcome from both the team and our fantastic locals in this wonderful community, and I truly look forward to meeting you all! 💙

As a welcome gift, I’d love to offer a complimentary meal for two to one lucky winner 🥂

All you need to do is….

Comment on this post by tagging a friend, and don’t forget to like and share the post 🤩

I’m so excited to be starting my time here and have already made some exciting changes, so keep your eyes on our socials to be the first to hear about updates. You can also take advantage of our fabulous loyalty rewards by downloading the Greene King App 👀

Myself and The Blundell Arms team can’t wait to welcome you through our doors, so please pop in and say hello at any point! 😊

Fun With Trains Bolton

27/01/2026

27/01/2026

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