Musicians, magicians, comedians and a Drag Queen all entertained passengers on a busy train from Newcastle to Edinburgh this evening.
Those who boarded the front two carriages of the 17.50 Lumo service from Newcastle Central Station were treated to a series of live performances from local artists, as well as a can of beer, on the approximately one-and-a-half hour journey to Edinburgh.
The event dubbed as the 'Culture Train' was hosted by Newcastle Drag Queen Mutha Tucka, fresh from their US and European tours. And it was part of a collaboration with Lumo and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which launches its programme tomorrow.
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Lumo, the Newcastle-based 100% electric train company, organised the one-off event in a bid to bring a taste of the Edinburgh Fringe to Newcastle travellers' doorsteps while demonstrating how easy it is to get there by train.
Mutha Tucka said: "Newcastle is a melting pot of home-grown talent, many of whom perform at the Fringe in Edinburgh. It's amazing to be given a stage with a difference by Lumo – the Fringe is meant to be a bit random and a lot of fun – and that's exactly what you can expect on Lumo's Culture Train Live!"
After a brief stop in Edinburgh the train made it's return journey to Newcastle. But the entertainment didn't stop there, with the trip back also featuring local acts including award-winning Fringe comedian Gavin Webster, musician Joe Edwards and comedian Robert Reed.
There was also a musical sing-a-long named 'carriage-oke' for passengers to enjoy on the way home.
Lumo will be offering fares under £25 each way during the Fringe Festival from 4 – 28 August, with a Plus Bus add on ticket option which enables the use of Edinburgh's buses and trams to get around the venues.
It has also supported the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society’s ‘Keep It Fringe’ Fund, which distributes bursaries of £2,000 to artists and companies bringing work to the Fringe in 2023. The fund is intended to level the playing field for artists, providing the opportunity to reap the rewards of all the Fringe has to offer. Lumo has donated return tickets to all bursary recipients.
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Lumo, said: "This must surely be Newcastle's first ever variety performance on a train, and we're thrilled to host it. We are very proud to be based in Newcastle and wanted to find a way to showcase the performing arts scene in the city. The Edinburgh Fringe is the world's greatest festival and we want Newcastle residents to realise it is on our doorstep and very easily accessible by train.
"We are running regular, affordable trains between the two cities, and with the Plus Bus add on ticket option it also enables the use of Edinburgh’s buses and trams to get around the venues too. This means customers can take full advantage and enjoy a great value and visit to Edinburgh."
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