Derby hosts national awards celebrating local heroes of Britain’s railways

Derby Arena has hosted the Community Rail Awards, a national celebration of the volunteers and community groups helping transform Britain’s railway stations.

The awards, organised by Community Rail Network with headline partner East Midlands Railway, took place earlier this evening (Thursday 19 March), bringing together a record-breaking 610 guests from across England, Scotland and Wales.

The event shone a national spotlight on the remarkable work happening across the community rail movement, from volunteers brightening up stations with gardens and artwork, to projects helping young people gain confidence using trains and improving access for disabled passengers.

More than 300 projects from across Britain were entered into this year’s awards, showcasing the huge range of initiatives helping make rail travel more welcoming, sustainable and connected to local communities.

Holding the ceremony in Derby, the historic heart of Britain’s rail industry, was a fitting backdrop for the celebration, particularly during the nationwide Railway 200 anniversary year marking two centuries of the modern railway.

Community Rail Network chief executive Jools Townsend said: Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway said: “East Midlands Railway is proud to be the headline partner for the 2026 Community Rail Awards and celebrate the fantastic work being done across the network to connect communities and make rail more welcoming and accessible.

“It’s especially fitting that the awards are being held in Derby, a city with a proud railway heritage and a global reputation for rail engineering and innovation. As a key hub on our network, Derby brings people together from across the East Midlands and beyond, making it the perfect place to recognise the passion and dedication of community rail partnerships, station adopters and volunteers.

“Community rail continues to play a vital role in the future of the railway, helping more people discover the benefits of travelling by train and supporting a more sustainable transport network. At East Midlands Railway, part of Transport UK Group, we’re proud to support that work. Congratulations to everyone involved in the 2026 Community Rail Awards, and especially to all the fantastic winners.”