Liverpool-Manchester Railway Bicentenary – 2030
Started on site in 1826 and completed in 1830, the Liverpool and Manchester Railway was the world’s first inter-city passenger and goods railway. The opening of the L&MR on September 15, 1830, engineered by George Stephenson was a pivotal moment in history. Regarded by many as the birth of the modern mainline railways, it was the first locomotive-hauled inter-urban public railway to operate a timetabled passenger service alongside the transport of goods. It demonstrated the profitability and practicality of using steam trains for passengers, out-competing rival horse-drawn stagecoach services.
Get involved with Liverpool – Manchester Railway Bicentenary Celebrations
The Liverpool -Manchester Railway will be 200 years old in 2030 and plans are afoot to mark the occasion with a series of celebratory events. Ian Wray and David Thrower outline why the railway was so important and what the benefits of the 2030 bicentenary celebration might be. READ MORE .
Cultural and local authority partners in Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester first appointed consultants to undertake a scoping study. MCS was able to engage with them to influence the agenda and the shape of the celebration. Read their brief HERE.
March 2024 – The Rocket 2030 Steering Group has appointed a Chair and Vice Chair to spearhead the development of the celebration and to ensure a lasting legacy from the bicentenary. Read the Media Release from Manchester Histories who are providing administrative support HERE
October 24 – The first series of community group engagement sessions is now complete. Read Rocket 2030 Feedback
A number of strands of the principal Rocket 2030 project group have been established and MCS is represented on some of these groups. The strands cover culture, community, built heritage, visitor economy and rail sector. Please contact Manchester Histories for further information
Culture Liverpool is appointing a Creative Producer to plan events and activities along the Liverpool -St. Helens section of the Railway and the wider City Region. Read the role description Rocket-2030-Job-Desciption-
Please join our mailing list to be kept informed of what’s happening. Initially we are asking any group or individual interested in to fill in the form below so that we can add you to our mailing list.