More than 50,000 people have been engaged and inspired via over 300 community-led events and activities coordinated by Britain’s community rail movement during 2025, marking an extraordinary year for Britain’s railways. This year saw the 200th anniversary of Britain’s railways, and community rail made sure the Railway 200 celebrations were a grassroots triumph. From try the train trips, to music events and poetry, to record-breaking benches, communities across England, Scotland and Wales came together in creative and inclusive ways.  

Community rail is a nationwide movement of 76 community partnerships, 1,300 station groups, and thousands of volunteers, united nationally through Community Rail Network, working with the rail industry to make railways more inclusive and community-focused, connecting people, reducing isolation, promoting sustainable travel and tourism, and increasing access to opportunity. 

Since January, community rail partnerships (CRPs) and station volunteer groups have delivered a diverse programme of events to celebrate Railway 200. Highlights included: 

• 6VT Youth CRP shared ‘Positivity Packs’ with passengers in Edinburgh to boost wellbeing 

• Bishop Line CRP launched Passengers & Pioneers, an album of original songs and poems telling the story of 200 years of railway history 

• Heart of Wales Line CRP hosted Make and Trade events for local artisans and small traders 

• Southeast Communities Rail Partnership unveiled 200 blue plaques celebrating local railway people and their stories across the region 

• Yorkshire Coast CRP set a record with hundreds sitting on the world’s longest station bench at Scarborough Station 

• Station volunteer groups across Britain marked their station birthdays throughout the year, celebrating local heritage and strengthening community pride 

These initiatives didn’t just celebrate history, they brought people together, strengthened local pride, and inspired future generations to see rail as a vital part of sustainable travel and everyday life. 

Jools Townsend, Chief Executive of Community Rail Network, said: “Community rail shows how railways and stations can become vibrant, culturally rich assets at the heart of local life, delivering maximum benefit for local people and places. This year’s Railway 200 celebrations have brought communities together across Britain, fostering local pride and togetherness, breaking down barriers, and showing how important the railways are to our heritage and to greener, brighter future. As we celebrate this milestone and look ahead, we’re excited to keep building on this momentum, ensuring our railways continue to enrich lives and strengthen communities for generations to come.” 

Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, said: “The response from the community rail movement has been phenomenal. From blue plaques and poetry books to STEM carriages and youth-led events – their creativity, energy, and commitment have helped ensure that Railway 200 is not just a national celebration, but one that resonates deeply at a local level.  

“Community Rail is the heart of Railway 200, and the anniversary year wouldn’t have been the same without its support. I am thankful to everyone that seized the opportunity to become history makers and through their activity showed how rail can inspire, educate and connect.” 

Community rail’s contribution has been a cornerstone of Railway 200’s success, highlighting the enduring social value of Britain’s railways. As Railway 200 rolls into 2026 with the continuation of the Inspiration Train tour, community rail is ready to build on this legacy with even more ways to connect, inspire, and celebrate. 

Find out more at communityrail.org.uk.