Across Britain, over 130 community-led events took place this week as part of Community Rail Week.
This year’s celebrations are part of Railway 200, marking 200 years since the birth of the railway and highlighting its continuing role in shaping vibrant, inclusive communities.
The week officially launched on Monday 19 May at Haltwhistle Station on the Tyne Valley Line, where Modeshift joined guests to experience inspiring local projects in action—from education and skills initiatives to creative arts, social inclusion activities, and travel planning schemes that make everyday journeys more accessible for all.
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.
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.’
