The Dawn of the Railway

Step into a powerful celebration of innovation, history and creativity as Liverpool marks 200 years since the dawn of the railway. This unique world premiere brings together music, storytelling and heritage, centred on a stirring new composition by local composer Matt Holroyd. Join us for an unforgettable evening that honours the pioneering spirit of 1826 and brings the story of the world’s first inter-city railway vividly to life.

A new piece of music from Matt Holroyd, a young Liverpool based composer, will celebrate the beginning of work, exactly 200 years ago, on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. The premiere of “Dawn of the Iron Road 1826” will take place at 7.30pm on Friday, 18th September 2026, at The Tung Auditorium in the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre in Liverpool. Tickets are available now from  https://thetungauditorium.com/events/the-dawn-of-the-railway

Well known broadcaster Roger Phillips will be the compère for this unforgettable journey, which includes the specially commissioned piece of music, railway poetry from Alison Schultz and historic speeches and insights from Dr David Gwyn, author of The Coming of the Railway. Railway themed music will be performed by Heswall Concert Band, one of Merseyside’s most engaging wind bands, musical director Greg Williams.

Work began in 1826 in Crown Street, just round the corner from The Tung Auditorium. This world changing project was built with pickaxes, wheelbarrows and the occasional bit of gunpowder. Completed in 1830, it was the first inter-city rail link in the world.

Composer Matt Holroyd said, “It has been a privilege to compose this piece interweaving the sounds of the construction of the railway with its historical context and story.”

Musical Director Greg Williams said, “Matt has really caught the pioneering spirit of this great event with emotion and sensitivity. We can't wait to perform it.”

This musical commission has been kindly funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund/Rocket: All Aboard, and sponsored by Greengauge 21 and the Night Shift Jazz Collective.