Community Rail Awards 2025 now open for Entries! Click here to read more.

Community Rail Awards Entry Hub

Welcome to the Community Rail Awards Entry Hub

We’re delighted you’re interested in entering the Community Rail Awards – a celebration of the passion, dedication, and creativity that makes community rail so special.

These awards shine a spotlight on the inspiring projects, partnerships, and people who continue to make a difference across Britain’s railways, bringing communities together. Whether you’re a seasoned entrant or submitting for the first time, this is your chance to share your story, showcase your impact, and gain well-deserved recognition.

On this page, you’ll find everything you need to guide you through the entry process – from category descriptions and eligibility criteria to key dates and submission advice.

We look forward to receiving your entries and celebrating the remarkable contributions being made across community rail.

Rules of entry

Entries will open on Monday 1 September and close at 5pm on Tuesday 30 September 2025. You will be able to access the entry system from this page at any time from 1 September until the closing date. It is important that you read and understand the rules of entry before you submit your entry.

Read the rules of entry here

Categories & criteria

Browse the entry categories below, with judging criteria and examples from previous winners or download a printer friendly version here.

Categories & criteria

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Categories & criteria

Your guide to the entry categories, what our judges are looking for and examples from previous winners.
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Categories & criteria

Your guide to the entry categories, what our judges are looking for and examples from previous winners.

Guidance for preparing a strong entry

Make the most of the support and advice available to help your entry stand out and give it the strongest chance of success.
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Guidance for preparing a strong entry

Make the most of the support and advice available to help your entry stand out and give it the strongest chance of success.

Travel support & attendance bursaries

Find out about the support available to help make attending the Awards more accessible to everyone.
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Travel support & attendance bursaries

Find out about the support available to help make attending the Awards more accessible to everyone.

2026 sponsors, supporters and donors

Meet our sponsors and supporters helping to bring this year’s Awards to life.
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2026 sponsors, supporters and donors

Meet our sponsors and supporters helping to bring this year’s Awards to life.

Judges

Meet our team of fantastic judges.
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Judges

Meet our team of fantastic judges.

Fringe activities

Explore supporting events and creative experiences on offer from our headline partner, East Midlands Railway, and the local community rail groups.
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Fringe activities

Explore supporting events and creative experiences on offer from our headline partner, East Midlands Railway, and the local community rail groups.