New Lumo West Coast service officially launches Monday 25 May

· Low-cost fares start from just £29.90 between London Euston and Stirling

· Community partners given the chance to experience the service with surprises including a Scottish bagpiper and a Caribbean steel drum performance

Excitement is building as Lumo prepares to launch its much-anticipated new West Coast rail service on Monday 25 May – and lucky guests have already been given the chance to give it a try.

Community partners, Lumo apprentices and other special guests from along the route all came together to experience the breathtaking views on the route and a first taste of Lumo’s renowned customer service onboard the refreshed trains connecting Stirling with London Euston.

The iconic sound of Scottish bagpipes rung out across Stirling as guests set off on one of Lumo’s six-coach eye-catching blue trains, which have received widespread critical acclaim, with refreshed interiors and a single-class service designed to offer the best value fares; replicating the success of Lumo on the East Coast Main Line.

There are just days to go until customers will be able to get big savings on the popular route. Tickets start from just £29.90 between London Euston and Stirling. Travelling from London to Preston starts from just £23.90 and Preston to Stirling from an impressive £14.90. The service will also call at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert.

As part of the launch celebrations, Lumo has partnered with Pride Radio, an inclusive station broadcasting across the UK. The radio station’s Breakfast Show was broadcast live from a special ‘Rail Roadshow’ at Stirling Station, giving listeners the chance to win a range of exciting prizes and find out more about the new service. The bus will also be at Carlisle Market on 22 and 23 May.

Residents of Stirling, meanwhile, were treated to a stunning display as iconic local landmarks including the National Wallace Monument were illuminated in Lumo’s distinctive blue on the evening before the special preview train departed for London. The Jamsalana Steel Band treated guests to a vibrant performance as the train arrived in London Euston.