Rocket: All Aboard

Celebrating people, places & railways

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Experience the story of the World’s First Passenger Railway. Watch now!

Rocket: All Aboard is a bold, multi-year programme (2029–2030) marking 200 years since the opening of the Liverpool to Manchester Railway — the world’s first inter-city passenger line. This ground-breaking railway transformed how we travel, trade, and connect, reshaping communities and daily life forever.

Now, Rocket: All Aboard will bring that story to life through exhibitions, live cultural events, research, and creative community and heritage projects across the North West and beyond.

The programme will shine a light on the railway’s power to connect people and places, spark conversations about sustainability and innovation, and invite audiences of all ages to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of movement, heritage, and progress, showing how this story can inspire new journeys for the future.

Purpose & vision

To celebrate a world-changing moment in transport and industrial history, showing how it continues to inspire creativity, innovation, and pride in our communities.

To build a lasting legacy through culture, learning, skills, and community collaboration that brings people together.

To explore how the railway transformed the way we live and how it still connects and shapes communities today.

To spark bold ideas for the future, reimagining travel, infrastructure, and climate action to create a better world for everyone.

Rocket: All Aboard will deliver world class events and experiences, acting as an engine for connection and inspiring people locally, nationally, and internationally. In partnership with transport bodies, local authorities, city-region agencies, and organisations across culture, heritage, education and communities and working hand in hand with a new Community Rail Partnership it will champion creativity, skills, and pride in place, building a legacy that lasts beyond the celebrations.

To partner up or to explore opportunities please contact: info@rocketallaboard.co.uk