THE WORLD’S oldest railway is set to become the North-East’s newest live music venue this weekend.

The Tanfield Railway near Stanley, County Durham, will be showcasing the region’s rich musical talent and heritage.

Five local artists and groups will be performing Music and Machines at locations along the historic line and on board steam trains on Sunday June 21.

Topping the bill are Tyneside folk rock combination Mothers Ruin, who will be performing at the picturesque Andrews House station for passengers throughout the day.

Fiddling trio King Cole will also be performing at the same location, while vocalists The Keelers will be singing to passengers on board trains during the six-mile round trip.

Geordie singer songwriter George Welch has the unique venue of Europe’s oldest working locomotive alongside locomotives under repair and a forge.

Backworth Colliery Brass Band will be reunited with steam locomotive No 49, which also worked at the now vanished Northumberland pit.

The band will be performing at Causey Arch station next to the world’s oldest railway bridge, dating from 1725.

Steam trains will be running at 45 minute intervals from 11am featuring vintage locomotives which worked at industrial sites throughout the North East and historical carriages.

Tanfield Railway operations manager Chris Walker said: "We’ve got some great North East musical talent coming along for the event combined with an unbeatable atmospheric backdrop and a history second to none.

Day rover tickets offering unlimited travel and site access cost £8 for adults and £4 for children with under 5s travelling free.

Senior citizens travel for £1 for this event only. As a special treat for fathers they also travel at children’s rates for one weekend only.