Rail passengers are being warned to prepare for major crowds in Birmingham this weekend, with Black Friday events expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors into the city. Birmingham New Street, already one of the UK’s busiest stations, is bracing for a surge in demand similar to last year, when nearly 230,000 people passed through its gates on Black Friday alone — around 60,000 more than a normal Friday.

This year, the pressure is set to intensify. Black Friday deals, Cyber Saturday promotions, Birmingham’s Christmas markets, Comic Con at the NEC, and multiple football fixtures across the region are expected to create one of the busiest weekends of the year for train travel. Operators are preparing for packed services, busier platforms and heavier footfall throughout the station concourse.

Elizabeth Graham, station manager at Birmingham New Street, said:

“This weekend could be one of the busiest we’ve ever seen at the station, with many festivities and events happening in and around the city. Whilst great for Birmingham, it means busier trains and more people on platforms and the station concourse. Every year we carefully plan for and safely manage big increases in passenger numbers, but I’d please ask passengers to do their bit by following our three golden rules to make their journeys as smooth as possible. There will be extra staff in place across the station to provide advice and information and help keep passengers safe throughout.”

As in previous years, crowd-management measures — including queuing systems — may be activated at busy times to ensure people can board trains safely. Staff numbers have been increased across the station, with teams positioned throughout the concourse to support passengers during peak periods.

Travellers are also being encouraged to look ahead to the Christmas period. Between 24 December and 2 January, most of the rail network will remain open, but planned engineering work by Network Rail across Britain may impact certain routes. Passengers are advised to check their journeys well in advance.

Image: Network Rail