Over 130 community-led events are set to take place across Britain during Community Rail Week, celebrating the crucial role community rail plays in bringing people together, supporting local economic wellbeing and promoting sustainable travel, all under the theme of Railway 200.
Community Rail Week (19-25 May), coordinated by Community Rail Network and sponsored by Rail Delivery Group, shines a spotlight on the incredible efforts of local community organisations and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that our railway remains accessible, sustainable, and integral to everyday life. It highlights the work of 75 community rail partnerships, which cover more than a third (35%) of Britain’s railways, and 1,300 station friends’ groups made up of more than 8,250 volunteers, who tend to half of its 2,580 stations.
This year, the week is dedicated to celebrating Railway 200, with a programme of community-led activities linking in with key themes including skills and education, heritage, culture and tourism, innovation, technology and environment, and celebrating railway people. Events will reflect the strong bond between Britain’s railways and the people they serve, demonstrating how rail continues to be a powerful tool for fostering inclusivity, reducing isolation and supporting local economies.
The 130-plus planned activities, up from 110 in 2024, include: ‘Try the train’ trips to increase rail confidence among young people, and other groups that experience barriers to accessing rail; cultural and arts projects at stations and community venues; local heritage; outdoor education trips with schools; and events showcasing walking and cycling routes from the railway.
Community Rail Week will be officially launched at Haltwhistle Station on the Tyne Valley Line today, where guests will see first-hand the impact of local projects showcasing education and skills, artwork and music, activities to tackle social isolation, and sustainable travel schemes.
Bill Freeman, Interim chief executive for Community Rail Network, said: “Community Rail Week is all about connecting communities and bringing people together, while supporting and enabling more people to travel sustainably by train and access the opportunities they want and need — whether that’s work, education, or spending time with others.
“It’s also a time to celebrate the inspiring work happening at a local level through community rail, which makes our railways more inclusive, welcoming, and responsive to local needs. We’re proud to see so many community-led activities taking place this week, showcasing the impressive breadth and diversity of community rail across Britain, and demonstrating how these grassroots initiatives continue to enrich lives and strengthen places across the railway, especially during this milestone Railway 200 year.”
Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, said: “Railways have played a vital role serving communities over the past 200 years, and we are proud to partner with community rail to shine a spotlight on the dedicated volunteers who help to make rail available to everyone.
“This year’s theme gives us a chance to celebrate two centuries of our rail network, while marking new opportunities to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and customer-focused railway for all.”
Learn more about Community Rail Week here.
