This Christmas Eve, Birmingham New Street station once again opened its doors to those in need, as Network Rail and Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS) hosted their annual festive dinner.
Building on the success of previous years, the event welcomed up to 300 homeless and vulnerable individuals for an afternoon of warmth, good food, and community spirit. While many look forward to spending the holidays with loved ones, Christmas can be a difficult time for others.
This initiative, now in its eighth year, aimed to bring comfort and joy to those who might otherwise face the season alone. Elizabeth Graham, Birmingham New Street station manager, said: “A welcoming meal in the heart of the city can make a real difference for those who need extra support at Christmas.
“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with MLSS and local businesses to make this event possible. It’s a chance for people to relax, enjoy themselves, and feel part of a caring community.”
Randhir Singh, CEO of Midland Langar Seva Society, said: “For many people, the festive season is not a time of joy but one of deep loneliness, isolation, and despair.
“We know that suicide rates rise at this time of year, and for those with no family, no home, and no one checking in on them, Christmas can feel unbearable. This event exists to remind people that they matter.
“For one afternoon, they were not forgotten — they were our honoured guests. We were there to serve them, to listen, to show care and compassion, and to make them feel truly special.
“In our eighth year working with Network Rail, this meal represents everything we stand for at MLSS: dignity, equality, and the belief that no one should feel alone.” Guests enjoyed a three-course vegetarian meal, non-alcoholic drinks, and entertainment including a DJ, carol singers, and Christmas gifts.
The celebration took place on the station concourse on December 24, with volunteers from Network Rail, the rail industry, and MLSS working together to provide a memorable afternoon for all. Midland Langar Seva Society is a charity based on the Sikh principle of ‘dasvand’, which involves giving 10% of your time and earnings to help those less fortunate.
This Christmas Eve meal aimed to represent the principle of equality among all people regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender, sexuality or social status. In addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar (free meal) expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness, and the oneness of humankind.