Train-maker Alstom celebrates double win at prestigious awards

Derby train-maker Alstom is celebrating a brace of awards recognising a record-breaking rail festival – and the contribution of one of its long-serving employees.

At the recent Young Rail Professionals Awards 2026, Kathryn Lancaster, the Litchurch Lane firm’s communications manager, was presented with the Distinguished Service Award, honouring her 37-year-career in rail.

At the same awards, Alstom’s record-breaking railway festival, The Greatest Gathering, was also named a winner, scooping the Operational Excellence Award.

Devoting almost four decades of her life to Derby’s rail industry, Kathryn Lancaster was recognised for her “significant and lasting contribution” to the rail sector through sustained commitment, leadership and service to others.

The award celebrates those whose work has had a meaningful impact on the rail industry and the people within it.

A stalwart of Alstom and its predecessor organisations since 1988, the firm said Kathryn’s contributions have “profoundly shaped the company’s communications, and fostered a culture of inclusivity, collaboration and mentorship across the sector”.

This was evident in her organisation of Alstom’s The Greatest Gathering in August 2025, the world’s largest-ever railway festival, which scooped the Operational Excellence Award.

This award recognises a team or organisation delivering outstanding performance in day-to-day railway operations.

It celebrates those who consistently raise standards, improve reliability and ensure passengers and freight customers receive the best possible service.

Marking the bicentenary of the modern railway, Alstom’s The Greatest Gathering took place at Alstom’s 90-acre Derby Litchurch Lane Works in August 2025.

More than 40,000 railfans came to witness more than 140 rail vehicles at Alstom’s biggest rolling stock factory, while millions more enjoyed The Greatest Gathering virtually around the world.

The three-day extravaganza also marked the first time in almost 50 years that Alstom’s Derby site had opened to the public and has raised over £100,000 for good causes.

Kathryn said: “I am incredibly proud and deeply humbled to receive the Distinguished Service Award.

“Rail has been my working home for my entire career, and I have been fortunate to work alongside some truly exceptional people who care passionately about what this industry stands for.

“This recognition really belongs to the colleagues, partners and volunteers who have supported me, challenged me and shared the same belief that rail is about people, communities and opportunity.

“The Greatest Gathering was a once‑in‑a‑lifetime project and a real labour of love for everyone involved.

“To see it recognised for Operational Excellence is especially meaningful, because it reflects the teamwork, professionalism and pride that exists across Alstom and the wider railway family.

“Opening the factory gates of Litchurch Lane and welcoming the public back after so many years was incredibly special, and I hope it reminded people – especially the next generation – just how exciting, inclusive and future‑focused our industry can be.”