Passengers on board CrossCountry trains in Hampshire are being serenaded on their journey courtesy of a unique music initiative by the Lymington and Brockenhurst Community Rail Partnership (L&BCRP).
On five Fridays, stretching from April to August, passengers on the Brockenhurst to Winchester service are being treated to songs and music by the South Wight Jazz Club and the Bunker Girls. The initiative involves the musicians and singers travelling between the Isle of Wight and Winchester on Wrightlink Ferry, South Western Railway and CrossCountry services.
Passengers on board the ferry and train services are being treated to jazz hits and 40s style songs from local musicians. Two Friday sessions, in April and May have already proved popular with passengers and further impromptu ‘gigs’ will be held on Fridays; 28 June, 5 July and 16 August (14:00 CrossCountry services from Brockenhurst to Winchester).
Organiser of the project, Lymington and Brockenhurst Rail Community Partnership’s Rail Development Officer Bobby Lock said: “For the last five years we have had music at Stations with JC Grimshaw and the Bunker Girls, but this year we wanted to do something a little different. Music on the Move brings music and an infectious ‘good mood’ to everyone travelling, on Wightlink Ferries, South Western Railway and CrossCountry, whether to work or for leisure and we are thrilled that CrossCountry again, have supported our initiative which will be on advertised dates once a month till September”
CrossCountry’s Stakeholder Liaison Manager Jody Ball added: “We were delighted to help out Bobby and the L&BCRP with this exciting project. This is a fantastic way to help passengers really enjoy their journey with us and is another great way in which Bobby and the team are helping promote rail travel in the Hampshire area.”
Lymington and Brockenhurst is one of 18 Community Rail Partnerships that CrossCountry help fund and support throughout the UK.