York Festival of Ideas celebrates 200 years of the modern railway

Taking place on Saturday 7 June at the University of York, three major panel events will look at the past, present and future of rail and its impact locally, regionally and nationally. Under the spotlight will be topics including the exciting transformation of York Railway Station, next-generation rail transport and the large-scale changes taking place in the heart of York city centre, driven by the city’s Masterplan and the ambitious York Central regeneration scheme.

The three sessions, which are part of Railway 200 celebrations across the country, will cover Transforming York: Rail’s Legacy – exploring rail’s impact on York and our region; York: A 21st century rail hub – examining the changes taking place around York Railway Station; and Rail: A gateway to the future – shining a light on the next generation of rail transport. Speakers will also consider how the next generation of rail transport can contribute to a sustainable future and what we can learn from European rail transport innovation and investment.

The series of three Festival Focus events, which are presented under the banner of Beyond the Tracks: Innovation and transformation, mark 200 years since the Stockton & Darlington Railway opened in September 1825. In addition, LNER is also supporting a series of free family activities designed to spark young people’s imaginations. Explore Space @Discovery Zone on Wednesday 28 May will offer space-themed fun at New Earswick Folk Hall, York, while visitors to Discovery Zone on Sunday 8 June can enjoy crafty, scientific and historical fun at the University of York.

Jake Orros, Community Partnerships Manager at LNER, said: “We are delighted that LNER is a key partner for this year's York Festival of Ideas. 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway; we are proudly celebrating our heritage and the role LNER has played in shaping York and connecting communities across the UK at the Festival. Our three fascinating panel events starring industry experts will explore the past, present and future of the railway. We hope that the exciting Discovery Zone featuring hands-on activities for families will inspire the engineers and rail leaders of the future.”

Taking place from 31 May to 13 June, York Festival of Ideas - which is led by the University of York - will present over 200 mostly free in-person and online events. Last year’s events, presented in partnership with over 100 local and national organisations, were enjoyed by an audience of nearly 60,000.

Joan Concannnon, Director of York Festival of Ideas, said: “York has a proud history as a rail hub and ambitious plans for the future. “We are therefore thrilled to join forces with LNER to discuss the transformational power of rail at this year’s York Festival of Ideas. As well as celebrating the past, we are excited to explore how current and future plans for York will drive economic, social and cultural growth, and how rail will contribute to a more sustainable future.”

More information and booking details are available on the York Festival of Ideas website.