The Rushen Silver Band took advantage of the available transport to get themselves and their instruments to their weekend concert venue.

With conductor and musical director John Kinley at the controls, the silver band squeezed themselves and their assortment of trumpets, horns and tubas into the carriages, and were pulled by the brand new steam engine ’Brown Bear’ along the Groudle Glen Railway to the Sea Lion Rocks tea rooms.

The band were taking part in the annual cliff top concert, which took place on Sunday, August 11, alongside the local folk groups Shoh Slaynt and Shennanigans Banned, along with the acoustic rockers Birds and the Beards.

Hundreds of people, families and music-lovers braved the weather, which stayed mercifully dry and calm, and packed out the picturesque venue to listen to the afternoon of free music, organised by the Groudle Glen volunteers, and supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council.

The chairman of the Groudle Glen Railway, Trevor Niall, said that although the cafe is an unusual venue for a music concert, it was as popular as it ever.

’This event is always a highlight in our calendar of events at the railway as it really is unique and quite a surreal experience for many,’ said Trevor.

’It was great to see so many people relaxing and enjoying such great music in stunning surroundings.

’It’ll be back again next year.’