A festival is coming to Sussex this summer as the national railway celebrates its 200 year anniversary

The Royal Mint has launched a commemorative £2 coin inspired by the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, to mark this year's 200th anniversary of the modern railway.

A festival is coming to Sussex this summer as part of the national railway's 200 year anniversary celebrations. The Royal Mint has also unveiled a commemorative £2 coin to mark the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825.

The coin launch is part of a year-long programme called Railway 200 which will explore the railway’s role in shaping national life.

More than a hundred activities and events will be taking place across the year including a rail festival in Sussex from June to August.

Organised by the Bluebell Railway in Sheffield Park, Uckfield, the festival aims to attract more than 80,000 people including 18,000 schoolchildren who will learn about STEM-related careers in the railway.

As part of the festival, Southeast Communities Rail Partnership in Lewes will be unveiling 200 ‘blue plaques’ to mark 200 people with connections to the railways on its lines.

Other events will include train naming ceremonies, public talks, heritage trails and open days.

The commemorative £2 for Railway 200 (Image: National Rail)

Emma Robertson, programme manager for Railway 200, said: “Coming down the tracks this year is a bumper programme of exciting initiatives and shared storytelling for everyone to get involved with and enjoy.

“Railway 200 represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the railway, its people and communities to shout long, loud and proud about rail’s many achievements and plans for a more sustainable future.

“It will cover the past, present and future of the railway. As well as showcasing rail’s pioneering pedigree, it will excite and invite more people to consider a career in the railway.”

The start of rail’s bicentenary celebration was announced with a global Whistle-Up of 200 locomotives blowing whistles and horns across the UK and as far away as New Zealand, Australia, South America, the USA, South Africa and Sierra Leone, spanning five continents.

The £2 rail coin is part of The Royal Mint’s annual set of five coins that celebrate upcoming national milestones and anniversaries throughout 2025.

It will be available to collect individually later this year.