Newcastle-based train operator Lumo continues to demonstrate its commitment to local communities, today being announced as the headline partner for the 2025 Community Rail Awards.
Now in its 20th year, the Community Rail Awards celebrate dedication, innovation and outstanding achievement within community rail, a thriving grassroots movement working closely with the rail industry across the UK. Community rail supports and promotes community-based initiatives around local railways, connecting communities with their local rail services and infrastructure, through partnerships between rail operators, local authorities, and community groups.
The ceremony, which takes place on Thursday 13 March 2025 at the Newcastle Civic Centre, will shine a spotlight on the exemplary work of volunteers, organisations and partners whose initiatives deliver positive impacts with communities across Britain. This ranges from inclusive transport and travel confidence schemes to creative and biodiversity projects at stations, to sustainable tourism, to empowering young people to access new opportunities by train.
Thanks to help from regional community rail partnerships Tyne Valley CRP, Bishop Line CRP and Esk Valley Railway Development Company, there will also be opportunities for guests to visit many heritage, railway and cultural attractions and places of interest in Newcastle and the wider region alongside the 2025 Awards gala event.
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Lumo, said: “As a North East based business that’s proud of our region’s rich railway and industrial heritage and is actively playing a key role in the future of the railways, we’re incredibly excited to be supporting such a special event. This is especially fitting, as Lumo is based in Newcastle on the site of the former Stephenson locomotive works where the first railway locos were built, and our trains pass through Darlington where the first passenger railway opened in 1825.
“We are committed to helping keep the region at the forefront of great value and sustainable rail travel through creating a cleaner, greener future for the communities and customers we serve, so partnering with Community Rail Network for their awards is something everyone at Lumo is looking forward to celebrating.”
Jools Townsend, Chief Executive of Community Rail Network, added: “We are delighted to be working with Lumo for our prestigious Community Rail Awards in 2025.
“These Awards demonstrate the power of community-led change, showcasing locally-led initiatives that bring communities together and unlock social and economic value, while helping to tackle the climate crisis. They also show how rail is a powerful enabler, and the difference it makes to people’s lives when they can access the opportunities they want and feel connected to the people and places around them.
“As we get ready to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, it is fitting that the endeavours, innovation and passion of the community rail movement will be celebrated in the North East, where the story began.”
The 2025 Community Rail Awards are open for entries until 17:00 on Monday 30 September, with 13 categories to choose from, including Empowering Diverse Groups, Best Community Engagement Project and Tourism & Leisure. Full details on how to enter the awards can be found on the Community Rail Awards webpage: https://communityrail.org.uk/events-and-campaigns/community-rail-awards/.
For more information on community rail’s latest projects and community engagement initiatives visit: https://communityrail.org.uk/