Lumo, the Open Access rail operator, has teamed up with local Gateshead brewery Black Storm to offer a special commemorative beer on board its trains as fans head to London for the FA Trophy final.
The news comes hot on the heels of the Tyneside-based rail operator announcing an extra train on Saturday 11 May to get Gateshead FC fans back from London as part of the club’s huge achievement of a consecutive second run at the Wembley FA Trophy final.
The appropriately named ‘Whistle Stop’ beer is a 5% ABV Helles Larger, featuring special commemorative Gateshead FC Wembley 2024 and Lumo branding on the can. It will be available to purchase on the LumoEats at seat trolley service on all Lumo trains from this week – including on its specially named ‘Heed Army Express’ trains on Saturday 11 May (running from Newcastle to London at 07:12 and 10:22, and returning at 20:26).
Teams from Lumo will be specially decorating the company’s morning departures from Newcastle with customised Gateshead FC branding to reflect the huge support for Heed Army fans heading to London on the big day. The limited-edition beverage is expected to be a hit with fans.
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Lumo, said: “At Lumo, we’re all about supporting the communities we serve, and it’s great to show our support for Gateshead Football Club and their fans by working with Gateshead based Black Storm to stock this special beer onboard our trains and add that extra bit of extra excitement to the journey to London.”
Jake Jobey, Sales Manager at Black Storm, said: “Being the local brewery in Gateshead, and our beer being served at Gateshead’s matches in the director’s lounge, we’re delighted to see Lumo taking this partnership to new heights by serving Black Storm limited Wembley edition beer on its trains, and supporting Gateshead FC and their fans on their journey to Wembley. Up the Heed!”
Bernard McWilliams, vice-chairman of Gateshead FC, said: “We’re delighted to team up with Black Storm Beer and Lumo to offer this limited edition Helles lager to our supporters, marking our historic second consecutive FA Trophy final appearance at Wembley Stadium.
“All at Gateshead FC are thrilled to be both strengthening our long-term partnership with Lumo, as well as forging a new partnership with a Gateshead-based business in Black Storm Beer, and hope our supporters enjoy sampling a unique souvenir on their journey to Wembley this weekend.”
The commemorative cans of beer are also available for fans to purchase direct from the Black Storm website at Black Storm Beer.