The Dawn of the Railway
Friday 18 September 2026 | 7.30pm
The Tung Auditorium, University of Liverpool
Greengauge 21 is delighted to sponsor The Dawn of the Railway, a unique evening of music and storytelling celebrating the 200th anniversary of the start of construction of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway – the world’s first inter-city railway.
Presented by the Heswall Concert Band, the performance commemorates the pioneering years between 1826 and 1830, when work began on a railway that would transform Britain and, ultimately, the world. Through an original combination of live music and narration, the concert will bring to life one of the defining moments in the history of transport and engineering.
Compèred by renowned broadcaster Roger Phillips, the evening will feature the Heswall Concert Band under the musical direction of Greg Williams, alongside new music composed especially for the occasion by Matt Holroyd.
Celebrating the railway’s legacy
As the UK prepares to mark the bicentenary of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, this event provides an opportunity to reflect not only on the extraordinary engineering achievement of the railway’s pioneers but also on the enduring impact rail continues to have on economic growth, connectivity, innovation and communities.
For Greengauge 21, supporting this event reflects our commitment to championing the role of rail in creating a more connected, productive and sustainable Britain. As we look ahead to the next generation of investment in Britain’s rail network, we believe that understanding the history of the railway helps inform the choices we make.
For tickets go to www.thetungauditorium.com