Community groups and volunteers working hard to improve railway stations for the benefit of passengers and people in their areas are set to be celebrated in Manchester this week at the Community Rail Awards.

This year’s event – which is being co-sponsored by TfGM and Northern Rail – will be the first time that the high-profile award ceremony has been hosted in Manchester, and will be taking place on Thursday, 6 October at Manchester Convention Centre.

The awards shine a light on the significant projects and initiatives delivered by community rail groups, partnerships and volunteers who work on a voluntary basis alongside train operators to help people get the most from their railways and improve stations and facilities.

Shortlisted entrants at this year’s awards include passionate groups and people from across the country working to improve youth engagement and diversity, deliver community and art projects, encourage positive change and sustainability, enhance stations, ensure they are embedded in their communities and appeal to tourists and visitors.

There is also an award for Outstanding Volunteer Contribution – celebrating the individuals helping to drive and deliver this work.

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 an annual event organised by the Community Rail Network, which is the membership body for over 70 community rail partnerships and represents 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.”

Along with being co-sponsors for this year’s awards ceremony, TfGM is also sponsoring the Community Creative Projects & Station Arts category.

Community rail represents a key element of the Bee Network – GM’s bold vision to deliver a joined-up London-style transport system, with buses beginning to be integrated from 2023, trams from 2024 and commuter trains by 2030 – transforming how people travel in and around Greater Manchester.

Ten Community Rail groups from Greater Manchester have been shortlisted at this year’s awards, and will be hoping to leave Manchester Convention Centre as winners of their chosen categories.

The categories at this year’s Community Rail Awards are:

Involving Children & Young People
Involving Diverse Groups
Community Creative Projects & Station Arts
Small Projects Award
Most Effective Communications Campaign
Best Community Engagement Project
Tourism & Leisure Award
Photo Competition | capturing the essence of community rail
Influencing Positive Change & Sustainability
Most Enhanced Railway Spaces
Station Friends & Adopters at the Heart of Communities
Outstanding Volunteer Contribution