Entries are NOW CLOSED for the Community Rail Awards 2025!

The shortlist will be announced Weds 11 December, and all shortlistees will also be directly informed by email.

Community Rail Awards 2025
NOW OPEN for Entries!

Download the Entry Booklet to prepare and submit your entry!

Pay particular attention to the ‘Judging Criteria’ for each category as evidence of impact is required for most of them. Ensure that you refer to the rules of entry to prepare for word counts, allowable time-spans of projects, required layout of documents etc.

Community Rail Awards 2026

Our prestigious Awards recognise the people doing wonderful work on behalf of their communities and railways.

We’re delighted to be working with our headline partner East Midlands Railway to bring the Awards Gala Event to the fabulous Derby Arena on Thursday 19 March 2026!

Access the Awards Entry Hub to find a plethora of information to help you enter the Awards.

Milestone Dates

Entries and bookings are now OPEN!
Entries CLOSE – 17:00 hrs, Tuesday 30 September
Entries SUPPORT sessions will run once a week from 1-29 September

Download the full schedule with Zoom links here.

SHORTLIST announced – Wednesday 10 December
Bookings CLOSE – Monday 16 February 2026 (early booking is advised)

Download the standard booking form here.

Fringe Activites

Our headline partner East Midlands Railway, together with local community rail partnerships, is pleased to offer a programme of fringe activities surrounding the main event. These activities provide additional opportunities for networking, sharing best practice and showcasing the work of community rail in the area. Look out for updates on activities and how to book your place HERE.

Community Rail Awards Entry Hub

This page is the one-stop-shop for everything you need to guide you through the Community Rail Awards entry process – from categories and criteria to judges, sponsors and previous winners.

Find out more

Community Rail Awards Entry Hub

This page is the one-stop-shop for everything you need to guide you through the Community Rail Awards entry process – from categories and criteria to judges, sponsors and previous winners.

Find out more