BBC Radio 2 Celebrates 200 Years of Train Travel with 21st Century Folk

In a celebration of two centuries of train travel throughout the United Kingdom, BBC Radio 2 is set to revive its beloved program, 21st Century Folk. From July 28 to August 3, 2025, five notable folk acts will compose and perform songs inspired by the profound influence of trains on people's lives. This initiative coincides with Railway 200, a national campaign commemorating the bicentennial of railway travel in the UK.

Mark Radcliffe, the host of BBC Radio 2’s Folk Show, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "Folk music tells the story of everyday life, with melodies and lyrics that are passed down through generations of families. It’s been amazing to see these listeners’ stories take on a life of their own with these special compositions, written and performed by some of the folk world’s most loved artists. I can’t wait to share them with the Radio 2 audience." This project not only highlights the musical talents of renowned artists but also showcases the rich tapestry of stories from individuals whose lives have been changed by rail travel.

The featured artists this year include Richard Thompson, Kate Rusby, Findlay Napier, Chris While & Julie Matthews, and Bill Ryder-Jones. Each act has been paired with personal stories from contributors who have experienced significant life events connected to the railway.

Helen Thomas, Head of BBC Radio 2, emphasized the station's commitment to diverse music programming, stating, "We have much-loved weekly shows dedicated to folk, jazz, country, blues, musical theatre, and hip hop, alongside our huge mainstream programs." This reflects the BBC's ongoing mission to engage with a wide array of musical genres and cultural expressions.

The contributors' stories are compelling and varied. For instance, Siggy, an 85-year-old resident of Hampstead, London, arrived in the UK from Barbados in 1962 and began working as a railway employee on his first day. His story will be interpreted by Richard Thompson, a celebrated musician and co-founder of the iconic band Fairport Convention.

Another poignant narrative features Charlotte and David from Bradford, West Yorkshire. Their tale recounts a serendipitous encounter where David, a train driver, intervened to save Charlotte during a critical moment, leading to their eventual marriage.

Findlay Napier, who resides on the Isle of Arran, will write and perform a song for Joanne, an accountant from Darwen, Lancashire, who volunteers as a steam locomotive fireman. Joanne's story of survival after battling cancer and her advocacy for diversity within the heritage rail sector will inspire her song.

The project also includes the story of Tom, a foundling discovered as a baby at Reading railway station. His life story, now intertwined with the railway’s history, will be brought to life through the music of Chris While and Julie Matthews, a duo renowned for their longevity in the folk scene.

Bill Ryder-Jones, known for his work with The Coral, will craft a song for Ken, a dedicated railway employee whose family's service spans over 157 years. Ken's legacy within the railway industry is a testament to the enduring connection many individuals share with the railways.

Listeners can anticipate a week filled with folk music programming, including live performances and interviews on The Jeremy Vine Show, which will feature broadcasts from The Greatest Gathering festival at Alstom in Derby. Additionally, the songs and stories will be available on BBC Sounds and will culminate in a special program airing on August 3, 2025.

In conclusion, the 21st Century Folk project not only celebrates the historical significance of train travel but also honors the personal narratives that reflect the broader social impact of the railways in the UK. As the nation looks back on 200 years of railway history, BBC Radio 2 stands at the forefront of preserving and sharing these vital stories through the medium of folk music.