Well, here we are kicking off the second half of our 25th year celebrations and what a start it is. We kick off on the first Saturday of August for International Blues Music Day and how appropriate is that, as this season I have booked some of our all-time favourite artists and some brilliant new artists who have never before performed on The Blues Train.
Also, Lana and the team of Blues Train caterers have been working on a new moonlight season menu, which I’m sure you will love! We’ve had so much great food feedback over the last couple of years, the Cape Byron pulled beef, the incredible fresh vegetables and salads, the chicken and all the sauces handpicked by me for anyone who wants to add a bit of spice.
The team at the Bellarine Railway have been working hard to bring back our big T-Class steam engine and while it’s not yet quite ready, they assure me that it’s getting close. It’s had the boiler tested and is nearly ready to put back together. If anyone would like to donate to the Bellarine Railway to contribute to this project, tax-deductible donations are available via their website.
The Blues Train beanie has been a bit of a hit and anyone who bought a winter package for the moonlight season at our fantastic accommodation providers; The Vue Grand, Athelstane Guest House, Big4 Beacon Resort and Point Lonsdale Guest House, will be picking those up as they check-in. If you didn’t buy a package but fancy a beanie, you can buy one at the T-Bar at the train.
The T-bar is fully stocked up on beer, wine, spirits, merchandise and everything you need for great night. Divine Grind coffee cart will be there at the halfway point as always, for a hot beverage and a light snack.
As for me, I’ve been doing a fair bit of media, talking about what’s great about The Blues Train and how the hell we ended up being here 25 years later. Everyone’s been really supportive, which we can’t put into words how much we appreciate.
As a member of our Blues Train VIP list, you will notice we’ve updated our members offers and discounts. We really appreciate the people who come back time and time again, whether it’s to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or whatever it takes to get you back shaking your booty on the train.
We’ve got some really special shows coming up, especially the Melbourne Cup weekend and the weekend following, so make sure you check them out!
The Queenscliff Music Festival is coming up on the last weekend in November and we are proud to announce that The Blues Train showcase will be going ahead again, as it has for many years and we are really proud to be involved. There will be some special offers and activations around the railway site, so make sure you come and say g’day. Queenscliff Music Festival tickets are selling fast – this is a big one, so don’t miss out!
Also one of the most popular times of the year of course, is December! The Blues Train runs Fridays and Saturdays in December, and tickets are on sale now. We offer discounts for groups of only 10+ people on the Friday nights, so get your group together to get festive! December is not just for Christmas parties and end-of-year breakups though, you can still just get your mates or family together and come on the train for a good old rockin’ time.
At Bay City Events we’ve been working really hard on some of our other festivals and programming venues. The biggest festival we are currently doing is the Festival Of Sails, which is held on the Australia Day weekend at the Geelong waterfront.
From everyone at The Blues Train, we look forward to seeing you in our upcoming season. We are proud to have been running this completely unique event for 25 years but without your support it wouldn’t survive, so a huge thanks and see you down at Queenscliff.
Toot toot!