Rail operator Lumo has unveiled a newly redesigned Pride train celebrating the organisations, volunteers and communities championing inclusion across the UK.
The all-electric train, which operates services between London King’s Cross, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow, now carries the logos of several LGBTQ+ organisations supported by the operator, including Pride Radio, OUT North East, Edinburgh Pride and Glasgow Pride.
The train was officially unveiled by community volunteers alongside a former Mr Gay GB, highlighting the partnerships that help make Pride events and year-round inclusion initiatives possible.
Lumo says the redesign is intended to shine a spotlight on the organisations working throughout the year to support LGBTQ+ communities and create safe, welcoming spaces where people can be themselves.
Richard Salkeld, Lumo’s Director of Communications and Partnerships, said the train reflects the company’s commitment to inclusion beyond Pride season. “We’re proud to welcome everyone onboard at Lumo,” he said.
“Each logo featured on this train represents an organisation that works incredibly hard throughout the year to champion inclusion, support LGBTQ+ communities and create places where people can feel safe to be themselves. We are pleased to help shine a light on that great work.
“At Lumo, we believe our role is about far more than connecting towns and cities. It's about connecting people, communities and opportunities. That's why we're proud to place our partners' logos alongside our own. It's a visible reminder that when organisations work together, we can create something far greater than any of us could achieve alone.”
The launch comes after Lumo was named Best Small Employer in Scotland at this year’s Proud Scotland Awards in Glasgow.
Peter Darrant, Chief Executive of OUT North East, welcomed the continued partnership with the rail operator. “Our partnership with Lumo goes well beyond branding on a train,” he said. “It reflects a genuine commitment to inclusion, equality and allyship, with Lumo standing alongside OUT North East and Pride Radio throughout the year.
“Seeing our logo travelling the length of the country on a Lumo train sends a powerful message to hundreds of thousands of passengers that LGBTQ+ people belong, that inclusion matters and that businesses can play an important role in supporting our communities. That's what Pride – and true allyship – is all about.”
While Lumo’s trains have carried Pride branding since 2023, the latest redesign focuses on the organisations and volunteers whose work extends beyond annual Pride celebrations.
Ahead of Glasgow Pride this weekend, representatives from LGBTQ+ organisations in North East England and Scotland came together for the launch, symbolising the connections between communities along Lumo’s route.
A spokesperson for Glasgow Pride said the partnership helps reinforce the message that Pride belongs in every community. “We are incredibly proud to partner with Lumo, an organisation that shares our commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering inclusion,” they said.
“Seeing the Glasgow’s Pride logo travelling across the UK is a powerful reminder that Pride belongs everywhere and in every community. This partnership helps amplify our message of equality and encourages people from all backgrounds to stand together in support of LGBTQ+ people.”
Edinburgh Pride also praised the initiative, describing it as an example of how businesses can use their platforms to support inclusion. “Pride is about visibility, community and belonging, and seeing our organisation represented on a train connecting communities across Britain sends a powerful message that everyone deserves to feel welcome, wherever they travel,” a spokesperson said.
The Pride train forms part of Lumo’s wider programme of community partnerships, which includes work with charities, cultural organisations, educational institutions and local groups across its network.
The operator says colleagues will take part in more Pride events than ever before this summer, supporting celebrations in Newcastle, Gateshead, Edinburgh, Stirling and Glasgow.
Lumo recently expanded onto the West Coast Main Line, introducing direct services between Stirling and London, and is also supporting Stirling Pride, which is due to take place on 29 August.
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