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Railway folk music

The extensive history of music and the railways continues, thanks to wonderful organisations such as the Great Western Railway Paddington Band. Seen here in full flow on July 13 2018, the band resumed its 2023 programme on March 3. GWR PADDINGTON BAND..

Links between the railways and music go back a long way, and the connections have been well-documented. But there is also a less recognised tradition, which includes the work of some ‘classical’ composers as well as folk song.

This survey of British music with a railway connection does not pretend to be comprehensive, and reflects the author’s own tastes. I’ve tried to highlight the contributions of railway men and women to music (mainly as performers), and the contribution of the industry to music.

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