After a week of campaigning and public voting, Irlam in Manchester has been crowned the World Cup of Stations 2026 champion, celebrating a station where railway heritage and community life come together.<\/p>\n
From children discovering local history on school visits to friends meeting in its popular caf\u00e9, Irlam has become much more than a place to catch a train. Tours, railway memorabilia and events connect generations with the station\u2019s past while creating new memories and friendships today. Some couples have even chosen to celebrate their wedding there.<\/p>\n
Bringing the rail industry together to celebrate \u201cThe stations creating connections that matter\u201d, this year\u2019s competition gave the public the chance to choose their Station of the Year. Irlam\u2019s success is a tribute to the station team and volunteers who have helped make it a welcoming place for passengers and the wider community.<\/p>\n
Following over 150 nominations from across Britain, a judging panel selected 20 stations for the public vote. Irlam progressed to the final alongside Berney Arms, Brookwood, Cardross and Yatton, before securing 4,786 number of votes to take the title.<\/p>\n
Dan Mann, co-CEO of Rail Delivery Group, said: \u201cCongratulations to Irlam and everyone who has helped make it this year\u2019s winner.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur stations connect us to the people and places that matter. This competition has also shown how they bring communities together, creating opportunities, supporting local activities and giving people places where they feel welcome.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be chosen by the public as their Station of the Year is a wonderful recognition of everyone who helps make Irlam special. Thank you to everyone who voted and to all the shortlisted stations for sharing their stories.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tricia Williams, managing director of Northern, said: \u201cWe\u2019re incredibly proud that Irlam has won this year\u2019s World Cup of Stations competition and would like to thank everyone who voted.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe credit must go to the volunteers at Friends of Irlam Station and the Hamilton Davies Trust, who have transformed this station into a thriving community hub that brings people together.<\/p>\n
“The station has a unique charm and is well worth a visit. You can enjoy a meal in the caf\u00e9, take a tour of the gardens to see some amazing 3D artwork and visit the heritage hub.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s competition celebrated the different ways stations connect people and places, from helping people reach jobs, education, and family and friends, to supporting local businesses and creating spaces where communities can come together.<\/p>\n
Irlam follows last year\u2019s winner, Ashington, which was recognised after passenger services returned to the town following a 60-year absence.<\/p>\n