18-19 June 2025
Porterbrook’s Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre
The 2019 event saw record breaking attendance across two days and was packed with the latest rail innovations, rolling stock, product launches, demos and exclusive seminars.
Here are just some of the many highlights:
It was fantastic to see so many rail representatives come together to celebrate the newest and most exciting innovations the industry has to offer, all in one place.
Alternative power sources were represented by both Britain’s first hydrogen-powered train, the HydroFLEX - which made national news - and Vivarail’s fast charging system battery Class 230. Britain’s newest inter-city train, LNER’s Azuma was also on display.
High-profile keynotes Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, Network Rail’s Andrew Haines and Department for Transport’s Bernadette Kelly were joined by over 30 influential rail professionals.
We heard from the Department for International Trade on how to internationalise business and the latest from Department for Transport on the Williams Review. Innovate UK explained how it is supporting the rail supply chain through funding, while the BCRRE and the Rail Alliance discussed the acceleration of innovation.
In a UK first, Porterbrook launched its pioneering Innovation Hub, a static train testbed to fast-track development, where 25+ companies showcased innovative and exciting passenger-focused solutions.
Live and static machine demonstrations included the largest vehicles from Network Rail’s extensive fleet - its High Output ballast cleaning systems and its Kirow Crane.
The Young Rail Professionals were there to inspire and develop the next generation of railway talent, with speakers from National Skills Academy Rail (NSAR), British Transport Police, Rail Forum Midlands (RFM) and more.
A variety of other plant equipment included Balfour Beatty’s Wiring Train and the likes of Vp plc and SRS were all in attendance. Plus, the British Transport Police led superb demonstrations by armed officers, dog handlers, and policing at heights teams.
Rail Live was once again the premier railway exhibition to attend. Rolling stock, plant, people, techniques – always a showstopper! Rail Live is consistently the best opportunity for everyone in the railway family to widen their networks, knowledge and understanding of the rail industry.
Rail Live is a truly notable event for all people with a professional rail interest, not only those involved with rail plant and track working. Having RAIL take over the organisation and promotion of the show has made it possible for Rail Live to become a ‘Farnborough for the Railway’, and an event that is now well and truly in the international rail calendar.
Some impressive tech on display at the @RAIL #RailLive2023 today - including digital temporary speed restriction signs, composite platforms from and even a @BostonDynamics robot dog! (I have no idea whether the @BTPDogs met robodog...).
I would encourage you to get around and talk to as many people as you can, because in my visit I genuinely have spoken to people I would never have seen before. That’s one of the joys of this dynamic, and it’s why I’m a real passionate supporter of Rail Live.
Rail Live is an unmissable event for SMEs like us to connect with passionate industry leaders and suppliers. The event has become a staple in our calendar, and is a fantastic opportunity to incept exciting project collaborations and partnerships. We're highly anticipating this year's event, and look forward to taking in the diverse breadth of rail expertise on offer!
Rail Live is a key event for Thomas Graham as an industrial supplier, it is a great opportunity to exhibit our range of products to the rail industry, speak to key contacts, that under normal conditions wouldn’t be accessible and we have been able to exhibit our specialised calibrated lockers, which have been a great success with some sizeable orders.
Rail Live 2023 was Trough-Tec System’s and HIRD Group’s best Rail Live yet! It’s the only show where we can truly showcase and demonstrate our entire product portfolio in such a practical manner, and to such a diverse audience of customers and end-users.
Network Rail is really pleased to continue to support Rail Live 2024. However, pre-election restrictions on public bodies mean that Network Rail won't be able to take part in any speaking slots this year. Our team, including Andrew Haines, Network Rail Chief Executive, will still attend in force.
The Network Rail Village will still have lots of exhibits across multiple zones, including safety, technology, and vehicle demos, so please do come and say hello. Our team are still pleased to speak to you, just not in a formal, recorded manor.
We're all looking forward to seeing you there!