No strings travel. Train company that hosted singer Tom Walker, makes a song and dance when famous cellist tries to travel with his instrument.

When Lumo launched its budget rail service  2021, it invited singer Tom Walker onboard – along with three guitars and a keyboard – to entertain passengers.

Fast forward three years to June 2024 and renowned cellist Steven Isserlis is told that he has to stand for the 3 1/2 journey from London to Newcastle on 14 June, where he was due to perform a concert the next day

Writing on X, the musician commented: “Wow - trains worse than planes! A guard on this Lumo train spotted my (safely stowed) cello, and ordered me to  go and stand with it in the corridor (for 3 ½ hours). ‘Musical instruments aren’t allowed -if I’d seen you on the platform I wouldn’t have let you on.’ Charmed…”

Lumo hit back by saying:“Hello Steven. Luggage that exceeds (63 x 41 x 27cm) is carried at our discretion. A cello would not be safe to be stored over head due to the size, as the train had departed.” adding “she was very unpleasant about it…” and that he needed to  “rehearse the Dvorak concerto as soon as I arrive. I don’t think I’ll be at my best.”

Dr Nina Baker labeled the whole fiasco as “Unbelievable”, saying her partner “has been travelling on Avanti West Coast for years with his cello, usually safely stowed in the space against the bulkhead in carriage.”

This is not the first time Lumo has hit the headlines over onboard luggage. On 17 April 2022, the 08:20 hrs Newcastle to King's Cross service passed over three sets of points at Peterborough station at a speed of 75mph (121 km/h). This was above the maximum permitted speed limit for these points of 25mph (40 km/h).The sudden movement of the train resulted in some passengers being thrown from their seats and in luggage falling from the overhead storage in the passenger compartments. This resulted in a number of injuries being sustained by passengers.

Lumo states that passengers can only bring onboard one small bag and medium suitcase,but golf clubs and musical instruments are not allowed.

Comparing it to the infamous luggage restrictions of Ryanair, Frank Schubert commented : “Lumo is a budget carrier. Think Ryanair. They don't 'do' luggage. For a better service use LNER. 'Cheap' used to mean 'good value'; now it means poor service.”

Author Philip Pullman than waded in, adding: “What? That's astonishing. You should demand a personal apology from the railway company. But ... Best of luck.”

Following the backlash, Lumo has offered Mr Isserlis a refund.

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