2025 marks 200 years since the world’s first passenger train set off along the Stockton & Darlington Railway, connecting people, places, communities and ideas, and ultimately transforming the world.

Launching on 1 January and running throughout 2025, we are joining in the national Railway 200 celebrations, honouring rail’s remarkable past, its role today, and its importance for a sustainable future.

Community rail is ideally placed to get involved in Railway 200. Members are encouraged to promote local messages by spring boarding off the national once-in-a-generation celebrations to showcase the hard work and dedication of your community rail partnership or station group.

Events, activities and promotions will focus on four strategic themes:

• Innovation, technology and environment
• Education and skills
• Celebrating rail people
• Culture, heritage and tourism

Check out the range of digital tools and resources below to support you in amplifying messages and highlighting activities, and don’t forget to get in touch with the comms & policy team for further support on news@communityrail.org.uk.

Community rail ‘waves in’ the Railway 200 year