Celebrating the rail community in Manchester

Manchester is set to be the location for celebration on Thursday, as the city welcomes the 2022 Community Rail Awards.

The prestigious event celebrates community groups and volunteers who dedicate their time to improving railway stations for passengers and people in their local area.

Co-sponsored by Transport for Greater Manchester (TgFM) and Northern Rail, the event is set to shine a light on projects and initiatives delivered by community rail groups, partnerships and volunteers, who work alongside train operators.

This year’s categories include:

• Involving children and young people
• Involving diverse groups
• Community creative project and station arts
• Small projects award
• Most effective communications campaign
• Best community engagement project
• Tourism and leisure award
• Photo competition: Capturing the essence of community rail
• Influencing positive change and sustainability
• Most enhanced railway spaces

Simon Elliott, head of rail at TfGM, said: “Railway stations lie at the heart of communities across the UK, with thousands of people passing through them every day for work and leisure trips.

“They’re a place where commuters spend time every day and it’s the first thing many tourists will see if they are visiting the area and it’s community groups that bring the personal touch, make these spaces special and the show the character of the area. They also ensure stations are recognised as a part of the community – and something everyone can be proud of.

“The importance of this work cannot be underestimated, and The Community Rail Awards are a great opportunity to come together and celebrate the fantastic work that is being done across the country.

“As such we are thrilled to be co-sponsoring this year’s event and I would like to wish all of the nominees the best of luck”

The Community Rail Awards is organised by the Community Rail Network – a membership body representing over 70 community rail partnerships and over 1,200 station adoption groups

Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, said: “The Community Rail Awards give deserved recognition to community rail partnerships, groups and volunteers across Britain and we are delighted that Transport for Greater Manchester is a co-sponsor this year.

“We look forward to welcoming more than 430 guests in Manchester, alongside ministers and rail industry leaders, emphasising the great value of community rail, helping to build stronger, fairer, greener communities, served and connected by their railways and wider sustainable transport network.

“Good luck to those shortlisted, and thanks to everyone who supports and champions community rail, helping the movement to go from strength to strength.”

Image credit: Network Rail

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