East Lancashire Railway: Time Travel with Vintage Vibes
The sounds of decades gone by will once again echo through the platforms of the East Lancashire Railway as the hugely popular Vintage Vibes festival rolls back into town on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026.
After the inaugural event proved to be a runaway success, organisers are turning up the volume for 2026 with an even bigger celebration of music, nostalgia and retro culture — all set against the unique backdrop of one of the North West’s most loved heritage railways.
This year’s line-up promises a full-throttle trip through the decades, with headline tribute performances dedicated to stadium legends Queen and Cher, alongside crowd-pleasing Northern Soul classics and a healthy dose of unforgettable 1980s anthems.
And the best part? Festival-goers won’t just be dancing in one location. Vintage Vibes will once again take over Bolton Street Station, The Trackside venue and the station car park, transforming the railway into a lively retro playground packed with music, entertainment and vintage charm.
Tickets include unlimited train travel throughout the day, giving visitors the chance to hop on and off the heritage trains while soaking up performances across multiple stages. Alongside the headline acts, smaller stages and pop-up performers will keep the party atmosphere alive all weekend long.
There’ll also be mini bars and stalls dotted around the site, ensuring visitors can grab refreshments and keep the good vibes flowing between sets.
Adding even more retro flair to the weekend, partners So Retro are returning with their much-loved Vintage Fair. Visitors can browse everything from vintage vinyl records and classic band T-shirts to quirky homeware and nostalgic treasures — ideal for anyone wanting to take a little piece of the past home with them.
And for sci-fi fans, there’s another exciting surprise in store. Members of the UK Garrison of the legendary 501st Legion will be making a rare appearance at the railway on Saturday 23 May. Visitors will have the chance to meet and pose for photos with some of their favourite Star Wars characters throughout the day.
Whether visitors are dedicated music lovers, railway enthusiasts or families simply looking for a unique and entertaining day out, Vintage Vibes 2026 is shaping up to be one of the standout bank holiday events of the year.
Organisers are encouraging people to mark their calendars, gather their friends and prepare to travel through time — one vibe at a time.
