Train of Inventions

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Celebrating over 200 years of British engineering, industry and innovation. This theatrical parade is ready to stop in your town or city.  

Originally commissioned as ‘Ghost Train’ by the S&DR200 project from an idea by creative lead Avanti Display, with Walk the Plank as co-producers, to celebrate the remarkable innovation and engineering legacy of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. 

Led by our reimagined Locomotion No.1, its gears turning as they did on the first people carrying train journey in 1825, up to seven “carriages” displaying large-scale kinetic structures are mounted on customised Nissan Micras, transforming into a travelling stage. Together they bring to life key inventions of the past two centuries through a dynamic fusion of performance, music, sound and engineering. 

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Train of Inventions Information Pack

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Shunt: The Carriages

Shunt: The Carriages

Each carriage presents its own self-contained performance, lasting approximately 10 minutes. Positioned at different locations across the town, the carriages travel in rotation between performance stops, creating a moving trail of discoveries. Audiences can either stay in one location and watch a succession of performances arrive or explore the town to seek out the inventions that spark their curiosity. 

The Parade: Departure

The Parade: Departure

The performance vehicles come together, led by Loco No.1, forming our spectacular Train of Inventions. Performers wave from atop their carriages as the train parades through locations, creating a spectacular sight to behold, featuring music, performance and fire. With options to enhance through community involvement, brass bands and pyrotechnic displays.  

The parade can take place during the day or after dark, with the inventions dramatically illuminated for evening performances. Train of Inventions can be presented as a full experience, combining both the roaming performances and parade, or as individual elements tailored to suit your event and site.  

“I’m still absolutely gobsmacked by how fantastic the Ghost Train was… it was really something special, I’m incredibly impressed.”

Lola McEvoy, MP for Darlington

Wrap Around Activity

As a tribute to both the past and the future, schools and community groups are invited to imagine the world-changing inventions of the next 200 years through creative workshops. Participants design and make their own paper 'fuel' lanterns, adorning them with drawings and words that bring their inventions to life. Community groups can also take part as flagbearers - costumed guides who walk within the parade and helping bring the story of the train to life. 

“My two little boys said it was one of their best days ever!”

Parent of participants in Darlington

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