Late-night train to run from station so music fans can get home from gig

Train bosses were approached by the Freestyle Music Centre, which is putting on three local bands every Friday night.

They agreed to operate the service on a six-week trial basis, and will pick up from Holton Heath railway station late on Friday nights so revellers can get back to Poole.

Normally, the latest train back to Poole from Holton Heath is at 8.28pm.

Freestyle’s managing director Mark Patrick told the Echo: “South West Trains have been amazing, they’ve been so keen to support this community-focused event. I really think they should get a mention.

“We are putting on three regional bands every Friday, predominantly supporting original artists, free admission and everyone who presents a valid train ticket at the bar will get a free drink.”

The first bands were due to play at the Holton Heath venue yesterday evening.

Weymouth’s The Surfin’ Birds and Bournemouth’s Soulhole were set to follow an opening performance by Yeovil-based singer/songwriter Dan Atkins.

Mark says they’ve got 51 bands playing at the centre’s Middle VII bar from now until Christmas.

A South West Trains spokesman said: “We are really pleased to be able to provide these additional services from Holton Heath to Poole, which we hope will help to support these local events.

“We are keen to support local events and communities wherever possible and we hope these services will be welcomed by the bands attending.”

The spokesman also confirmed that although the service will initially operate on a six week trial basis - as the company keeps all timetables and services under constant review - there is a chance of it being made a permanent fixture.

Mr Patrick said: “We approached South West trains to see if they could help us with getting people home from our Friday night gigs.

“They have agreed to pick up from Holton Heath at 11.45pm on Friday nights to get people back to Poole.

“I’d like to thank them for helping us in this way.”