Community Rail Lancashire (CRL) has played a key role in welcoming ‘Inspiration’, the Railway 200 exhibition train, to Blackpool North Station.
Supporting Network Rail and Northern from 4-7 November, CRL engaged local schools, families, community groups and rail enthusiasts, showcasing the excitement of rail travel and careers in the industry.
Each morning, CRL coordinated visits for four schools, hosting over 300 students aged 7–18 from 15 schools from Blackpool, Manchester, Preston, Chorley, Accrington and Burnley. Almost every student group arrived by public transport, with Northern providing free train travel for school groups.
Students enjoyed an immersive day with Network Rail volunteers, meeting engineers, project managers and timetable planners, and participating in hands-on activities across three interactive zones:
- Past Zone: Students tested their knowledge with quizzes.
- Present Zone: Participants built bridges and explored engineering challenges.
- Future Zone: Young people learned about the diverse careers available within the railway industry.
Afternoons were equally popular, with public slots selling out quickly. More than 1,000 visitors explored the interactive zones before arriving at the Partner Zone, where CRL was based. Guests learned more about CRL’s work, participated in career-themed dress-up activities, and collected leaflets showcasing local walking routes. Younger visitors were delighted to take home their very own copy of Arlo’s Adventures.
Dave Savage, education officer at Community Rail Lancashire, said: “It was fantastic to welcome so many local students and visitors to Blackpool North Station. Seeing pupils excited about railways and engaging with the volunteers was truly inspiring.
“The event proved memorable for several attendees – one Year 3 pupil described it as ‘the best day ever!’, while a teacher admitted it was the first time she had ever seen two of her pupils smile.
“We’re proud to help bring the Railway 200 Inspiration train to life in our region.”
The Inspiration train will now continue its ongoing tour to over 60 locations across Britain. Learn more about the national Railway 200 celebrations and the exhibition train here.
Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Community Rail Lancashire via their website.
