A global ‘Whistle-Up’ will be organized from noon on 1st January, 2025 to celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of the modern railway. Organised by Heritage Railway Association with more than 50 heritage railways participating with some 200 locomotives globally, people are being asked to tweet their events and honk their horns or sound their whistles.
Railway 200, a one-year celebration of the modern railway’s 200th anniversary, will start on January 1, 2025, at noon sharp, with a coordinated train whistling and horn blast that will be heard around the world. The Heritage Railway Association (HRA) is organizing this historic event, known as the “Whistle-Up,” which is expected to grow into the largest mass involvement event in railway heritage ever.
The Whistle-Up will comprise more than 50 heritage railways in the UK and worldwide, with almost 200 vintage steam and diesel locomotives taking part. Countries that will be celebrating include the Netherlands, South Africa, and Sierra Leone. Some will display British locomotives. All UK mainline stations will participate, too, as the horns of the train engines emit a loud whistle in honor of the anniversary year.
Apart from the full-sized locomotives, model train enthusiasts are encouraged to join in. Model train manufacturer Hornby will be displaying various model trains tooting and whistling on their track layouts. Social media platforms will also have a special appearance by Thomas the Tank Engine, engaging younger audiences in the celebration.
This has an open invitation for everyone in public to join the Whistle-Up by recording themselves, or their family and friends, blowing whistles, blowing horns, or ringing bells during noon on New Year’s Day. People are challenged to share their recordings with people on social media with #Railway200 and #WhistleUp200 hashtags. For those without actual traditional noisemakers, party blowers can work, or one just could whistle.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said of the significance of this landmark event, “The world changed forever in 1825 with the birth of the modern railway in Britain, and rolled out across the globe. Railway 200’s celebrations are a unique opportunity to honor a groundbreaking moment in our history while looking boldly towards the future.”
The Railway 200 initiative celebrates the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, a momentous occasion that transformed transportation and industry worldwide. Throughout 2025, a programme of events and activities will delve into the deep impact that railways have had on society and encourage future generations to consider careers in the rail industry.
For more information on Railway 200 and to join the forthcoming celebrations, please refer to the official website at www.railway200.co.uk.
