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!
Event Running Order
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- 17:00 – Welcome drinks reception – this includes the opportunity to visit EMR’s ‘Aurora Lounge’
- 18:00 – Awards ceremony & dinner – formal presentations are expected to finish by 21:30.
- 23:30 – Carriages
The ceremony & dinner will be followed by Entertainment – hit the dance floor to the fabulous sounds of local, and vinyl only, DJ Lip Gloss Boss and/or participate in some of the fun activities on offer
Access the Awards Hub to find a plethora of information about the 2026 Awards.
Update – AWARDS BURSARY NOW CLOSED
Please note the attendance bursary fund has been over-subscribed and is now closed to applications.
Shortlist
The 2026 Awards Shortlist is now live – click here to view!
Milestone Dates
Bookings are now open until Monday 16 February 2026 – early booking is advised.
Download the booking form here.
Fringe Activities
Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 March – our headline partner East Midlands Railway and local CRPs will provide a programme of supporting fringe events & activities surrounding the Awards gala event. They will be showcasing community Rail and tourist attractions in the East Midlands. You may want to book a few days in the region!
See what’s on offer and how to book your place HERE
Community Rail Awards Hub
Access information on all things Awards 2026 related: from attendance bursaries to the supporting fringe activities, as well as the all important shortlist and much 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.
2025 Awards Hall of Fame
2024 Awards Hall of Fame
Sponsor the Awards
Find out how your organisation can become a sponsor of our prestigious Awards.
Sponsor the Awards
Find out how your organisation can become a sponsor of our prestigious Awards.