LNER and Railway Mission Bring Community Together for Staff Carol Service

Rail industry colleagues from across the north gathered at York’s National Railway Museum on Wednesday (10 December 2025) for a festive carol service celebrating the holiday season and two centuries of Britain’s railways.

More than 200 attendees joined in singing carols, listening to readings, and enjoying performances from a choir of industry colleagues and the York Railway Institute Band. The event was organised by LNER with support from the Railway Mission and brought together rail staff, local community representatives, and young singers from St Paul’s Church of England Primary School, Micklefield Church of England Primary Academy, and Nun Monkton Foundation Primary School. The children performed as part of the York Minster Schools Singing Programme, led by Emilie Bels.

The service also included a reflective moment recognising colleagues, passengers, and those affected by the incident on an LNER service at Huntington in November. Additional performances were delivered by Darlington poet Lizzie Lovejoy and the Teesside-based creative duo Abby+Owen, while contributions were collected for York Foodbank.

Ed Turner, Head of Public Affairs at LNER and organiser of the event, said:

“The Rail Staff Carol Service has now become an annual event where colleagues from across the industry can come together and celebrate the joy of the Christmas season. In this milestone year for the rail industry, it was very special to, once again, hold the event at the National Railway Museum, surrounded by numerous awe-inspiring engines and rolling stock from the past 200 years.”

Liam Johnston, Executive Director of the Railway Mission, added:

“Christmas is a time of hope, reflection, and togetherness. That's why the Railway Mission is honoured to join colleagues from across the industry to celebrate this special season and to offer our continued support to those who serve our railway every day. As we mark 200 years of our nation’s railways, this service reminded us of the compassion, unity and dedication that have always been at the heart of the railway family and will continue to carry us forward into the future.”

The annual service provided an opportunity for rail staff and community members alike to come together, honour the railway’s history, and celebrate the festive season with music, reflection, and camaraderie.

Image: LNER