Wilmslow, Yatton, Petersfield and Shawford Stations battle it out to be the champion in World Cup of Stations 2024

Britain’s railway stations are set to compete in the World Cup of Stations 2024, a competition that celebrates the importance of rail and its role in supporting communities, businesses and the economy. With 48 stations vying for the title, this year’s focus is on the businesses that make stations vital community hubs, driving local economies.   

This exciting competition, hosted by Rail Delivery Group, will take place from 14 to 18 October, with the winner being announced on 22 October. 

Four stations feature in the Bonus heat where you can vote for Wilmslow, Yatton, Petersfield or Shawford stations when voting opens on Wednesday 16 October at 8am and finishes at midnight. 

This year’s competition will showcase the best stations in the country which have amazing local businesses either in their station or the surrounding area. In the bonus round, Wilmslow, Yatton, Petersfield and Shawford stations have been included, which are based on suggestions made by Community Rail Network, which work to engage local people with their railways, promote social inclusion, and support sustainable travel. These stations have been recognised for their role in promoting local engagement and supporting their communities.  

You can vote for Wilmslow, Yatton, Petersfield and Shawford stations in the Bonus category: 

• Smith of Cheshire in Wilmslow is a family run business providing comforting classics and food inspired from travels across the globe, this is a café not to be missed – especially the spectacular specials, which in the past have included jollof and fiery chicken rice. Who knows what will be on the board next, but it’ll definitely be yummy.  

• The Strawberry Line Café on Platform One of Yatton Railway Station isn't your ordinary run-of-the-mill café. The cafe is a social enterprise offering employment and training to people with learning disabilities. From there, you can cycle straight on to the Strawberry Line for nine-miles of traffic-free riding through the Somerset countryside.   

• The old parcels office at Petersfield Station has been transformed into the ‘Petersfield free shop’ by the East Hampshire Community Rail Partnership (CRP), aiming to reduce unnecessary waste by providing surplus foods and seasonal goods to anyone who can make good use. 

• Discover Platform 1 at Shawford Station, where you can indulge in specialty coffee, Italian gelato, and homemade bakes. Enjoy the award-winning wines and local beers for a perfect treat! 

Join the fun and vote for your favourite station at raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations. The competition will unfold in a series of online public votes, with three semi-finals on 17 October and a final on 18 October. 

Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, said: “Local businesses in stations up and down the country are proving to be at the very heart of the communities they serve, and we want to shine a light on the very best stations in England, Scotland and Wales.  

“All of the stations nominated are making a positive impact on their local community, and the variety of businesses at stations is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff, as well as the importance placed on supporting local businesses.” 

Danny Chambers, Member of Parliament for Winchester, said: "This amazing café has been created in a previously disused area of Shawford Station. Not only does this café provide coffee, cake and real gelato but it has provided a new communal space and facilities for rail users, the local community and visitors to Shawford. This partnership approach has delivered a new business and venture for the station, which is welcomed by the community and everyone who uses the station."

Damian Hinds, Member of Parliament for East Hampshire, said: "The Petersfield hub has been instrumental in delivering schemes that have made a real difference to the community it serves. I have seen the impact this has made locally, through all the hard work and support of the volunteers resulting in making the hub the centre of the community."   

Martin McTague, National Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Railway stations up and down the country are home to a huge range of small firms, serving their local community, regular commuters and day trippers on a daily basis. These businesses contribute such a lot to our local economies and are a great source of employment.   

“Not only do railway stations house an array of businesses, they are vital for providing visitors with easy access to local high streets, upping footfall and fostering trade. This competition is a great way to shine a light on the excellent and varied small firms based in and around transport hubs across the UK, showcasing the products and services they have to offer.”      

  Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, said: “The community rail movement is constantly striving to promote, enhance and transform stations for the benefit of local communities, including using half of Britain’s stations as sites for volunteering, providing spaces for community initiatives, running locally-led arts and nature projects, or improving sustainable travel confidence and connections.  

Last year’s competition saw over 72,000 votes cast across 12 heats, with Wemyss Bay in Scotland taking the crown. This year, stations from all over the UK will compete, showcasing the best local businesses that make our train stations more than just places to catch a train. 

Don’t miss your chance to have your say in the World Cup of Stations 2024 and support the station that brings the best of local businesses to your community.