Community Rail Awards Entry Hub
Welcome to the Community Rail Awards Entry Hub
As of 5pm on Tuesday 30 September, entries to the 2026 Community Rail Awards are now closed.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to prepare and submit an entry to this year’s Awards – a celebration of the passion, dedication, and creativity that makes community rail so special. We can’t wait to begin the judging process!
Through this Entry Hub, you can still explore the categories and criteria, our team of fantastic judges, sponsors, supporters and donors, travel support and attendance bursaries, and the programme of fringe activities on offer.
Categories & criteria
Your guide to the entry categories, what our judges are looking for and examples from previous winners.

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.

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.

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.

2026 sponsors, supporters and donors
Meet our sponsors and supporters helping to bring this year’s Awards to life.
Fringe activities
Explore supporting events and creative experiences on offer from our headline partner, East Midlands Railway, and the local community rail groups.

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