13 October 2025 •
Local rail operator c2c Railway is delighted to once again have one of its stations reach the final of the Rail Delivery Group’s 2025 World Cup of Stations competition, with Tilbury Town station recognised for its role in the post-WWII Windrush arrivals to the UK.
Starting today (13 October) and ending at 23:59 on Friday (17 October), the public can vote for Tilbury Town station by clicking here.
This year’s theme celebrates Railway 200 and is titled ‘The most life-changing stations of the past 200 years.’ c2c’s Tilbury Town station is one of the final 20 stations nominated due to its incredible history as part of the first journey taken by people arriving in the UK aboard the HMT Empire Windrush, where they travelled by train to London and beyond to help rebuild the UK following the war.
c2c commemorated the 75th anniversary of the HMT Empire Windrush arriving at Tilbury back in June 2023 by unveiling a specially designed plaque at Tilbury Town station.
Jen Craft, MP for Thurrock, said:
“This is a great way of celebrating the fascinating history of Tilbury Town station as well as its continued importance for people in Thurrock.
“The first of the Windrush generation arrived at Tilbury in 1948, helping to rebuild our country after WWII, and the station played a key role in that significant chapter of Britain’s post-war history.
“I’m really pleased to see this recognised as part of the World Cup of Stations and will be casting my vote!”
Rob Mullen, Managing Director of c2c, said:
“All of us at c2c are incredibly proud of the role Tilbury Town station played in helping those courageous people arriving on the HMT Empire Windrush get to London and further afield to help rebuild the UK after WWII.
“The World Cup of Stations competition has given Tilbury Town station a platform to highlight its incredible role in UK history and we are excited to share it with the public.”
The Rail Delivery Group’s (RDG) World Cup of Stations is an annual competition that gives the public the chance to decide which station deserves the crown, drawing on everything from sporting firsts and pop culture moments to wartime stories and even first dates.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:
“Stations are the beating heart of our railway network, linking communities from coast to coast and making travel seamless and accessible for millions of people every day.
“With this year marking 200 years since the birth of the passenger railway, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate our brilliant stations across the UK and share the powerful stories of how they’ve shaped lives.
“Good luck to all the shortlisted stations and I look forward to celebrating the winner soon.”
Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, said:
“As we celebrate 200 years of rail history, it’s the stories behind the stations that remind us of their enduring value — connecting towns, people and possibilities.
“These 20 stations represent the heart and soul of what makes Britain’s railways extraordinary. From places that have sparked hope to those that have held communities together — this is your chance to vote for the station that has really changed lives.”
Following the nomination phase earlier this year, which saw 330 entries received from across Britain, a judging panel comprising industry leaders, public figures and historians selected 20 standout stations to compete in the public vote.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
About c2c
- c2c is the award-winning train operator running services between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness, serving 26 stations in East London and South Essex.
- c2c is one of the UK’s most punctual and popular train operators and nearly 37.3 million journeys are made on its services every year.
- The operation of all c2c services transferred into public ownership on Sunday 20 July 2025 and is managed by DFTO (DfT Operator Ltd).
- For more information email mediaenquiries@c2crail.net
Images
Featured Image – Tilbury Town Station Windrush Plaque
Second Image – c2c Windrush Plaque
Third Image – RDG World Cup of Stations
Fourth Image – Jen Craft MP
Fifth Image – Rob Mullen, c2c Managing Director