Kent & East Sussex Railway celebrates more winning ways after ‘golden year'
Following its milestone 50th Anniversary celebrations last year, which included being honoured with a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, the Kent & East Sussex Railway has kicked off 2025 with further accolades, securing finalist status in two categories at the prestigious Heritage Railway Association (HRA) Awards.
The railway’s ground-breaking collaboration with internationally renowned artist Mr Doodle last summer has been recognised as a standout achievement, earning a spot as one of only three projects shortlisted for the Marketing & Communications Award. This partnership, which combined the world of heritage rail with bold, contemporary artistry, captured imaginations and showcased the railway’s innovative approach to engaging new audiences.
This latest recognition underscores the Kent & East Sussex Railway’s continued commitment to preserving its rich history while embracing fresh and creative ways to connect with the community and visitors from around the globe.
The winners of the HRA Awards will be announced later this year.
The collaboration between the Kent & East Sussex Railway and Mr Doodle marked a groundbreaking first for both parties. Over the summer, a 50-foot railway carriage, specially wrapped with a protective covering, became Mr Doodle’s canvas, where he created his signature artwork entirely at his own expense.
The finished masterpiece joined the railway’s regular services throughout August, attracting record visitor numbers, including many first-time guests, who came to experience the unique fusion of art and heritage and to capture the one-of-a-kind creation on camera.
Mr Doodle creating his Doodle carriage watched by the crowd
Photo by Stepstone Imaging
In addition to this success, the railway is also celebrating the recognition of eighteen-year-old volunteer Aodhan Kavanagh, who has been named a finalist for the Lord Faulkner Young Volunteer of the Year Award. This accolade is one of the Heritage Railway Association's most esteemed honours, recognising exceptional contributions by young volunteers in the heritage railway sector.
Aodhan is a Signaller, Steam Raiser and aspiring Fireman and has been volunteering at the K&ESR since 2022 when he was just sixteen. He is up against young volunteers from three other heritage railways for this coveted title which recognises the importance of the involvement of young people in the running of heritage railways.
K&ESR General Manager Robin Coombes said:
"We are delighted to be finalists in these top Awards for the heritage rail community - a fantastic start to 2025.
"Securing the long-term future of the railway means finding new ways to bring in more visitors. Through the collaboration with Mr Doodle, our Marketing, Communications and Events team came up with an innovative way to both promote the railway and successfully attract new and younger audiences to visit.
"Just as crucially, we need to recruit more volunteers, who are the beating heart of our railway, and that includes attracting them at an early age so that they grow with us and can also benefit from learning the many skills we can offer. Since joining us in 2022, Aodham has demonstrated outstanding qualities in collaboration, quick learning, dedication and enthusiasm: an excellent role model for other volunteers of all ages."
The final results of the HRA Awards will be announced at a ceremony and dinner in Newcastle on Saturday 8th February 2025.