LNER Marks Railway Bicentenary With Poem Reflecting 200 Years of Journeys
As the railway industry looks back on a landmark year, LNER has unveiled a specially commissioned poem to mark the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
Titled We Will Carry You, the poem explores themes of connection, shared journeys and the role rail continues to play in everyday life. It was written by Darlington poet Lizzie Lovejoy and commissioned by LNER in partnership with S&DR200, bringing to a close a year-long collaboration celebrating the world’s first modern passenger railway.
Throughout 2025, LNER has been closely involved in events marking the bicentenary, taking part in celebrations that have reached audiences both in the UK and overseas. The programme has looked back at the pioneering legacy of the Stockton & Darlington Railway while highlighting how rail remains central to communities today.
Among the standout moments was the unveiling of a specially branded Azuma train, carrying a commemorative livery inspired by Darlington’s heritage. The operator also played a key role in welcoming a replica of Locomotion No. 1 into Darlington station, marking 200 years since the historic railway first opened.
In a moment echoing the original journey made by George Stephenson’s locomotive, invited guests watched as Locomotion No. 1 was positioned alongside the modern LNER Azuma at Darlington, creating a powerful visual link between the past and present of rail travel.
Earlier in the year, the bicentenary celebrations were launched with a large-scale drone display, illuminating the night sky with imagery of an LNER Azuma to signal the start of S&DR200, the international festival commemorating the birth of the modern railway.
The poem now serves as a reflective conclusion to those celebrations, focusing on the many journeys made by rail, from daily commutes to defining moments in people’s lives. Alongside the poem, LNER has commissioned a short film by North Yorkshire videographer Alex Brown, using Lizzie Lovejoy’s words to tell human stories of rail travel across generations.
The film also highlights LNER’s partnership with Bradford as UK City of Culture 2025, alongside the introduction of new services to and from the city, reinforcing rail’s role in linking people with culture, opportunity and each other.
Stuart Thomas, Communications Director at LNER, said:
“2025 has been a truly remarkable year for the railway and for everyone proud to be part of its story. From welcoming Locomotion No. 1 back to Darlington, to unveiling our commemorative Azuma livery and helping launch the S&DR200 festival, it has been a privilege for LNER to honour the past while looking firmly to the future. We Will Carry You beautifully captures what rail means to millions of people – not just as a mode of transport, but as part of life’s most important moments. It’s a fitting way to close a historic year and celebrate the legacy of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.”
Niccy Hallifax, Festival Director for S&DR200, said:
“The Stockton & Darlington Railway changed the world, and throughout 2025 we’ve seen just how powerful its legacy still is today. Working with LNER has helped bring the bicentenary to life for new audiences in inspiring and imaginative ways, as we continue with the programme into 2026. This poem is a wonderful expression of the spirit of S&DR200 – reflecting on where we’ve come from, celebrating the creativity and communities rail has inspired, and looking ahead to the journeys still to come. S&DR200 would also like to thank our wonderful partner in LNER for the work they have done, not just on the celebrations but for their year-round support.”
Image: LNER