Stations battle it out to be pride of East Midlands and the region’s champion in the World Cup of Stations

Four train stations across East Midlands will battle it out for a place in the final to be crowned ‘The UK’s best loved station’ and winner of World Cup of Stations 2023, the competition hosted by the Rail Delivery Group in partnership with the Community Rail Network. 

This year’s competition takes place during Community Rail Week (22-26 May), looking to shine a spotlight on the work of dedicated volunteers that support our stations through Community Rail, and celebrating the benefits the railway brings to residents, the environment and the local economy.  

The four East Midlands stations nominated are all managed by East Midlands Railway: 

• Sleaford in Nottinghamshire. Nominated for their work in transforming a previously disused waiting room into a community space used by schools and local voluntary groups, with support from Poacher Line Community Rail Partnership. 
• Ambergate in Derbyshire.  Nominated for Derwent Valley Line volunteers work on a station garden which the village uses to celebrate many events including Halloween and Remembrance Day.
• Kettering in Northants. Nominated for the stations welcoming colourful planters and the restored luggage trolley display which is cared for by station adopters. 
• Market Rasen in Lincolnshire. Nominated for Market Rasen Station adopters work with the Station House Day Centre (supporting those with learning difficulties) to brighten up and nurture flower planters in and around the station. 

Over 100 nominations from across Great Britain were whittled down to 48 by TV presenter Tim Dunn to feature in the competition.  

They now face each other in a series of highly anticipated head-to-head public votes. The 48 stations nominated are broken down into 11 regional groups, with a bonus group of four stations selected by Tim Dunn, with voting due to run 22-24 May.  

The winner of each regional group will go through to the semi-finals on 25 May and the final held on 26 May when the winner will be crowned.  

People can vote for their favourite East Midlands station on Tuesday 23 May via #WorldCupofStations at @RailDeliveryGrp on Twitter or at www.raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations . 

Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “Day in, day out stations up and down the country are proving to be at the very heart of the communities they serve. During Community Rail Week, we want to shine a light on the very best stations in England, Scotland and Wales, which includes Sleaford, Ambergate, Kettering and Market Rasen. 

“All of the stations nominated are making a positive impact on their local community, whether that’s supporting local businesses, being used for a social space or making the local environment better by being more sustainable, whatever they’re doing to make a difference, we want to celebrate.” 

Tim Dunn, TV presenter and shortlist judge, said: “I had the tricky task of selecting the shortlist of 48 stations - tricky, because it represents the work of 48 groups of chuffing ace volunteers.  

“The time, energy and love each group gives is because of a love of our shared railway and their communities too. It might seem bonkers, but this competition showcases the hard work of hundreds countrywide, then amplifies and celebrates all in community rail. Remember: like a football World Cup, the winners each day need more and more support - in every battle, it's the one with the most votes who wins!” 

Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, said: “Community Rail partnerships and thousands of ‘station friends’ volunteers the length and breadth of Britain are mobilising en masse, engaging local people and partners to raise awareness about sustainable travel by rail, and get people enthused about its many benefits.” 

Over 1,200 stations across Britain are supported by station adoption groups, made up entirely of volunteers, that help to make stations welcoming and safe, bring people together and add value to their communities.  

Often the work of these groups extends beyond basic upkeep, incorporating community gardening and food growing, local arts projects, and workshops and visits with children and young people. 

We received more than 100 nominations for stations to feature in this year's competition, recognising the efforts of so many across the country in the following categories:  

• Creating social spaces – stations rejuvenated by local adoption groups who are creating spaces for the local community   
• Supporting local business – adoption groups using station spaces to host and celebrate local businesses  
• Education stations – educational spaces and workshops arranged by adoption groups held in their station   
• Tourism stations – adoption groups using their station to promote local attractions 
• Sustainable stations – environmental efforts by local community groups to improve their station’s green credentials