In order to build a railway that works best for the communities it will serve, it’s crucial that we get out and about to understand the thoughts and feelings of people living locally. It’s also important that communities get to meet us face to face, learning more about the project and the people who are committed to making sure East West Rail leaves a lasting, positive impact.
This page sets out dates and locations for planned events, plus where we’ve been recently and what to expect if you come along.
Upcoming events
No events are currently planned until further notice.
Please check back here to get up to date info on our events calendar, or sign up to our newsletter to get event information sent straight to your inbox.
Where we’ve been recently
The below map shows where we've hosted events between 2022 and 2024. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements of future events in your area. There are different types of events you can come along to, and you can read more about these below.
Types of events
These are in-person events that mean we can have conversations with you and your community about specific project-related topics based on the stage in the project we’re at. These events are not part of the formal consultation process, but offer an additional opportunity to meet with the team and talk about specific subjects. This was something we were asked to provide by communities across the route and we’re pleased to have introduced them back in 2023.
Consultation events will form an essential part of the consultation process to give stakeholders a platform to meet with EWR staff, technical experts, and engagement professionals to ask questions, seek clarification, and provide feedback.
The events will facilitate accessible and meaningful touch points for stakeholders to engage as part of the consultation, both online and offline. In doing so, our aim is to reach as many people as possible from across the region.
Consultation feedback forms can also be returned to the team at these events.
There are 15 Local Representatives Groups in all areas along the proposed EWR route. The groups include councillors, parish and town councils, and representatives from EWR Co. They offer an open forum for discussions – a place to share information, ask questions, cover any concerns people might have and get answers. They also allow us to give project updates and understand details of all relevant local issues.
Find out moreListening to communities
Events are a great opportunity for you to share your thoughts with our team, so that we can understand your views. East West Railway Company (EWR Co) hold formal consultation processes where feedback is documented and considered – we make sure these are advertised in advance to support engagement. However, hearing your input throughout the project is crucial for our teams to understand communities better.
What to expect at events
Where we can, we'll hold the events in local venues based on feedback we’ve received from you, your communities and your local representatives. When you arrive there’ll be an East West Rail sign or banner outside the venue to confirm that you’re in the right place. When you enter the venue, you’ll see a welcome board which will detail what the event is specifically about. A member of the team will always try and greet you, but please bear with us during busy periods when this might not be possible. Our team will all have name badges on which will include the department they work in. If there are handouts, then the team will provide you with these (or you’ll be able to help yourself), talk you through what you’ll find in the room, and answer any initial questions you might have.
You can then take as long as you need to have a look around and talk with our team in more detail. We'll provide you with as much information as we possibly can at events.
Depending on the type of event and the topic being discussed, our team on the day may not be able to answer all your questions, particularly if they’re not in relation to the subject matter in the room. But, you’re always able to get in touch with us using the contact details below if this is the case.
Contact us
Everyone is welcome at our public engagement events, and we try hard to make sure the locations are accessible to all. If you want to attend but have questions, or any access requirements that would enable you to participate in them, then please contact us:
By phone: 0330 134 0067
By post: Freepost EAST WEST RAIL
By email: [email protected].
Communicating respectfully
We’re committed to engaging with communities in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative way. Our team are impassioned to create a railway that not only meets the needs of communities along the route, but also leaves a positive and sustainable footprint for generations to come.
We know that planning and building a railway can cause disruption – and sometimes worry. That’s why we want to give you opportunities to have meaningful conversations where you can raise your concerns, ask questions and learn more about the project, so that the information you have is up to date and accurate. We’ll always talk to you with care, consideration and respect. We ask that you do the same for our team.