Poetry in (Loco)motion: LNER Marks Landmark Year for Rail
As 2025 draws to a close, LNER is reflecting on a remarkable year for the rail industry by launching a specially commissioned poem to celebrate the bicentenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
We Will Carry You weaves together themes of connection, community and journeys. Written by Darlington poet Lizzie Lovejoy, the poem was commissioned by LNER in partnership with S&DR200 and marks the culmination of a year-long collaboration between the two organisations.
Throughout 2025, LNER has played a central role in national and international celebrations, honouring the legacy of the Stockton & Darlington Railway while showcasing the continuing impact of rail on communities today.
Highlights have included the unveiling of a striking commemorative livery on one of LNER’s Azuma trains, featuring bold Darlington branding and imagery reflecting key elements of the town’s heritage. LNER also proudly welcomed the world-famous replica of Locomotion No. 1 into Darlington station as part of celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of the modern passenger railway.
Echoing the first passenger journey made by George Stephenson’s original engine two centuries ago, special guests witnessed a once-in-a-generation moment as Locomotion No. 1 pulled alongside the LNER Azuma Darlington.
The celebrations began in spectacular style earlier this year, with a dramatic drone display featuring an LNER Azuma lighting up the night sky to launch S&DR200 – the international festival celebrating the birth of the modern railway.
Now, We Will Carry You offers a lyrical reflection on the journeys people make by rail – from everyday travel to once-in-a-lifetime experiences – and celebrates rail’s ongoing role in people’s lives.
To accompany the poem, LNER has also commissioned an emotive short film by North Yorkshire-based videographer Alex Brown, bringing Lizzie’s words to life and capturing the spirit, heritage and human stories of rail travel past and present. The video also reflects on LNER’s partnership with Bradford as UK City of Culture 2025, and the launch this year of additional services to and from the city, highlighting rail’s role in connecting people with culture and opportunity.
Stuart Thomas, Communications Director at LNER, said: “2025 has been a truly remarkable year for the railway and for everyone proud to be part of its story. From welcoming Locomotion No. 1 back to Darlington, to unveiling our commemorative Azuma livery and helping launch the S&DR200 festival, it has been a privilege for LNER to honour the past while looking firmly to the future.
“We Will Carry You beautifully captures what rail means to millions of people – not just as a mode of transport, but as part of life’s most important moments. It’s a fitting way to close a historic year and celebrate the legacy of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.”
Niccy Hallifax, Festival Director for S&DR200, said: “The Stockton & Darlington Railway changed the world, and throughout 2025 we’ve seen just how powerful its legacy still is today. Working with LNER has helped bring the bicentenary to life for new audiences in inspiring and imaginative ways, as we continue with the programme into 2026.
“This poem is a wonderful expression of the spirit of S&DR200 – reflecting on where we’ve come from, celebrating the creativity and communities rail has inspired, and looking ahead to the journeys still to come. S&DR200 would also like to thank our wonderful partner in LNER for the work they have done, not just on the celebrations but for their year-round support.”
As LNER looks ahead to 2026 and beyond, the operator remains committed to building on this proud heritage, continuing to deliver faster, greener and more reliable journeys for customers along the East Coast Main Line.