UK railway: Providing a platform to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

April 8, 2022

The rail industry is being urged to come together to celebrate 70 years since Her Majesty took to the throne

It was six years ago that 105 railway stations took part in a wide range of activities to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday, raising thousands of pounds for charity. Now the industry is being urged to come together again to mark 70 years since Her Majesty took to the throne.

Chris Leech MBE, who led the railway’s celebrations in 2016, is now doing the same in June, hoping even more organisations will take part organising live bands, afternoon teas, jamborees, and more.

It was February 6th, this year, that the Queen became the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the UK and beyond.

To celebrate this, events and initiatives are taking place throughout the year, including a four-day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5. The bank holiday will provide an opportunity for communities and people to come together to celebrate the historic milestone.

“Following the success of the Station to Station Queen’s Celebration in 2016, I have been approached by several industry leaders and rail-related charities asking to replicate a similar event,” said Chris.

“Why wouldn’t we? Railway stations are the hubs of the communities we serve, so it makes complete sense to be at the heart of such a celebration, while at the same time supporting charities and community groups and highlighting the incredibly work of everyone working in the industry.”

Celebration partners include Network Rail, British Transport Police, British Transport Police Cadets, The Office of Rail and Road, Women in Rail, Railway Children, Rail Safety Week and UK Scouts Association, Community Rail and Train Operating Companies. So far more than 80 per cent of train operating companies have also signed up to get involved.

Events will take place on either Saturday, June 4, or Sunday, June 5, or both if achievable. The 5th, in particular, will see hundreds of organisations coming together in what has been called ‘Thank You Day’.

“With approval from the relevant stations the planned events so far will take place at Glasgow Central, York, Cardiff Central, Birmingham New Street and Paddington, although additional events could take place at any location deemed suitable for the participating rail partner,” said Chris.

“No matter how big or small your station is, we can all play our part in transforming our stations, helping to bring people together to celebrate the Queen’s reign and our continued commitment to supporting the communities we serve on this momentous occasion.

“It’s been an unprecedented time for all of us so regardless of whether you’re an operator, manufacturer, infrastructure manager or supplier to UK rail or even a council bidding to host the home of UK rail, this is our opportunity to demonstrate our loyalty and commitment to supporting the communities we serve and have some fun.”

For more information, or to get involved, please contact chris.leech@rssb.co.uk and Chris will put you in touch with your nearest participating group.