The countdown has officially begun for the RailStaff Awards 2026 and there’s not much longer to wait before the industry comes together for its biggest celebration.
On Thursday 26 November, Birmingham’s NEC will welcome rail professionals from across the country for an evening dedicated to recognising the inspirational individuals and teams who make our network great.
Of course, the nominees and winners will be the stars of the show. But an awards night is nothing without the people who help to steer the proceedings.
So, it’s time to meet the person who’ll play a starring role on the night, and we’re thrilled to announce that your host for the evening will be all-round entertainer Denise van Outen!
All round entertainer
TV presenter, actress, singer, and broadcaster Denise is a familiar face on UK screens, known for bringing warmth, humour, and infectious energy to the UK’s best-loved shows.
She has enjoyed a varied career spanning television, theatre, music and radio. She first came to national attention as a presenter on Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast, where her lively partnership with Johnny Vaughan made her a household name in the late 1990s.
Denise went on to build a successful acting career, appearing on both stage and screen, including acclaimed performances as Roxie Hart in Chicago in London’s West End and on Broadway. She also starred in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tell Me on a Sunday and has appeared in productions including Legally Blonde and Rent Remixed.
Away from acting, Denise has presented numerous television and radio programmes, served as a judge on shows including Ireland’s Got Talent, and competed on Strictly Come Dancing, where she reached the final and finished as runner-up. More recently, she has continued to work across television, theatre and broadcasting, maintaining her status as one of the UK’s best-known entertainers.
We can’t wait to welcome her to the stage at the NEC Birmingham on Thursday 26 November.
Time to nominate
Nominations are open across 20 categories, and we encourage everyone in the industry to think about colleagues who deserve recognition.
When preparing a nomination, think about the qualities that make your colleague stand out and include specific examples that demonstrate their contribution. Explaining what happened, when it took place, and the difference it made will help the judges understand why your nominee deserves recognition.
Submitting a nomination is free and only takes a few minutes, but it could become one of the most meaningful acknowledgements a colleague ever receives.
Before submitting, remember to obtain approval from the nominee’s manager or director and include a recent photograph.
Support the railway’s stars
More than just a ceremony, the RaiStaff Awards are an experience – an evening that combines recognition with celebration and brings colleagues together for a memorable and meaningful occasion.
This unforgettable night wouldn’t be possible without the support of the industry. As ever, there are a range of exciting sponsorship opportunities available – a chance to showcase your brand while supporting the heroes of rail.
Make your mark on rail’s biggest night – visit our website to discover how you can get involved.
Don’t miss out!
The clock is ticking but there’s still time to book a table or a ticket.
Tables are available for reservation at: www.railstaffawards.com
[USE LINK: https://railstaffawards.com/RSA26/en/page/tickets]
To enquire about single tickets, please contact us directly on 01530 816456 or email events@rail-media.com
Don’t leave it too late – we’d hate for you to miss out on a fabulous night of celebration.
Key Dates
Nominations Open | Now – 6 September 2026
Public Voting | 14 – 27 September 2026
Judging Period | 1 – 16 October
Finalists Announced | 30 September 2026
Ticket & Table Bookings
Standard Bookings | Now – 13 November 2026
Ceremony
Date: Thursday 26 November 2026
Location: Hall 1, NEC, Birmingham
