Local train operator c2c has backed Southend’s celebration of local culture by naming one of its trains in honour of the Alternative City of Culture campaign.
Local MP Sir David Amess and the Mayor of Southend, Cllr Chris Walker, joined supporters from the Alternative City of Culture group and c2c staff to celebrate the occasion at a train-naming event on Friday.
The attendees were entertained by the winners of the annual Southend’s Got Talent competition: guitarist Jake Stobbart, singer Karen Wheeler, and R&B duo S-Bros.
The Alternative City of Culture committee were presented with their own nameplate to mark the occasion, while the train, 357005, will now proudly bear its new name on a nameplate on each side of the train.
c2c Delivery Director Kevin Frazer said: “We know that all the many different cultural events in Southend attracts rail passengers from across the south east. We always try to support the local community, especially as so many of our employees live in the area, and we are proud to make our own special contribution to this celebration.”
Sir David Amess MP said: “Southend is renowned for its depth of culture, and from now on thousands of rail passengers will see this tribute every day. This is a wonderfully unique way to celebrate all that the city has to offer, and we were delighted to be joined by such impressive local cultural talent in the form of the Southend’s Got Talent competition winners. My thanks to c2c for their support and we hope that our excellent rail service will attract more and more visitors to our town.”
Sally Carr, Chair of ACC17, said: "We are so excited to have our name on the train. We are working towards promoting the diverse talent and culture of Southend and will display the c2c nameplate with pride. It`s good to have a train operator who is as enthusiastic about Southend as we are and so keen to help the local community."
The last two trains that were named by c2c were to celebrate Southend United reaching Wembley in 2013, and to honour the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.