OK so it’s not technically in the East Midlands, but you can easily access London Pride by jumping on one of our services to London to enjoy Pride in the capital!
Stronger Together - Pride at EMR
We want everyone to be their authentic selves and feel comfortable ‘being you’. Whether you work for us, travel with us or are part of the diverse communities we serve.
In 2022 our LGBTQIA+ network, Stronger Together, launched our first Pride train, #LetsRollWithPride.
The special rainbow livery was designed to celebrate Pride with our communities and to promote diversity in our workplace. The rainbow ‘swoosh’ design and tagline #LetsRollWithPride was applied to a Class 158 train. Meet some of the people behind the project and how we made the magic happen.
In 2024 we launched our second liveried Roll with Pride Trains.
The livery, which has been applied to a class 170 regional train (number 170501), includes both the Pride and transgender flags along the sides of the two-carriage train.
At EMR, we don’t just celebrate Pride once a year, we promote inclusion and belonging every day. Look out for our 'Pride' trains and join us in sharing the love.
Our Pride liveried trains run on our local lines around the East Midlands and are often scheduled to take our customers to Pride events around the region, find out where your local pride is in the East Midlands below.
Pride events around East Midlands
Celebrating Pride 2024 with East Midlands Railway
At East Midlands Railway (EMR), we believe in creating a railway that welcomes everyone. In 2024, we proudly celebrated Pride with two standout projects that brought colour, joy, and inclusivity to our network — from the coast of Skegness to the heart of Nottingham.
The First East Coast Pride Rainbow Train
To mark the first-ever East Coast Pride in Skegness, EMR unveiled a vibrant new rainbow livery on one of our Class 170 regional trains. Designed by our LGBTQIA+ Employee Network, the train proudly features both the Pride and Transgender flags — a moving symbol of visibility and support.
On Saturday, 7 September 2024, this special train carried customers from Nottingham to Skegness, where they were welcomed with Pride flags, banners, goodie bags, sweet treats, and a warm celebration on Pride Street (Grand Parade). The rainbow train continues to run across our regional routes, alongside our original Class 158 Pride train launched in 2022.
Nottingham’s First ‘Trambow’
In a powerful show of collaboration, EMR joined forces with Alstom and Nottingham Express Transit (NET) to launch Nottingham’s first-ever ‘trambow’ — a tram wrapped in a bold rainbow design created by EMR’s in-house team. Running across both of Nottingham’s light rail lines, the trambow connects with EMR services, spreading the message of Pride across the city.
This initiative is more than just a colourful tram — it’s a celebration of authenticity, visibility, and belonging. Together, we encouraged everyone to “Ride with Pride” and be their true selves.
Voices of Pride
“This Pride train is a fantastic way of showcasing our commitment to diversity and inclusion. It’s also a great way to show our support for the Pride events taking place on our network.”
- Mags Luckhurst, Senior Conductor & LGBTQ+ Network Member, EMR
“When EMR told us they were launching a new Pride train for our first East Coast Pride in Skegness, we were thrilled. EMR was instrumental in making the event happen.”
- Brad Johnson, Volunteer Communications Lead, East Coast Pride
“The ‘trambow’ is more than just a colourful design — it’s a powerful symbol of inclusivity and acceptance. We’re proud to work with Alstom and NET to celebrate Pride and support the LGBTQ+ community.”
- Carl Rowland, Accessibility and Inclusion Delivery Manager, EMR