For the first time in its 21-year history, RAIL’s National Rail Awards will be staged on a virtual platform this year, enabling more people than ever before to watch the awards ceremony.
The live streaming event will take place on September 17 at 1600.
The event was originally due to have taken place on the same date with a black tie dinner and awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane, but the decision was made to move to a virtual platform owing to the uncertainty surrounding the current restrictions on live events.
RAIL’s Managing Editor and Events Director Nigel Harris said: “Earlier this year, I feared that the NRA would not take place this year in any form. But then the industry made clear it was determined that we should press ahead - and the entries simply poured in at the same rate as any other year.
“We came up with a virtual judging scheme which was complex but successful, and now we’re putting together the virtual ceremony for September 17 - and I’m really excited by it.
“It will be presented by BBC newsreader Huw Edwards and myself again, and it means we can reward excellence and achievement as usual - more important than ever this year.
“The digital platform looks superb and there will be many aspects of the live show we’re translating to the virtual event - it really will be a great show! Put the date in your diary!”
Angel Trains has been a sponsor of the NRA since its inception. And this year is no different, with the company continuing as a platinum sponsor.
“Angel Trains is proud to have sponsored the National Rail Awards since its inception 21 years ago, supporting industry-wide recognition for excellence and success,” said Angel Trains CEO Kevin Tribley.
“We look forward to the first virtual event, recognising innovative initiatives and celebrating outstanding contributions and achievements across the industry.”
Other confirmed sponsors and supporters are Burges Salmon, GB Railfreight, Hitachi Rail, Talgo, British Transport Police, Rail Freight Group and Transport Focus (see panel).
The NRA judges, who are known for their rigorous approach, have applied the same forensic due diligence to this year’s entries (which have been close in number to that received in any normal year, despite the closing date being just days after the start of lockdown in March).
- To register for your free place at this year’s virtual National Rail Awards, and to join the rest of the railway family to celebrate the best the industry has to offer, visit www.nationalrailawards.com.
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