Students Are All Aboard for Railway Anniversary Flashmob
PUBLISHED 02-07-2025
On Tuesday 17th June, dozens of our students took to Guildhall Square to be part of an incredible flashmob to mark the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.
Our students were part of a 100-strong troupe of dancers, performing alongside young people and adults from Portsmouth’s schools, colleges and special needs organisations as part of the Railway 200 celebrations that are taking place nationwide. Having put more than two months of practice in ahead of the big day, the eight-minute showcase was a huge hit with visiting crowds.
Sixth Form student James Rogers was dressed as a train conductor for the performance. He told The News: “Things have gone really well. We wanted to showcase the 200 years of GWR and the incredible invention.”
The flashmob was made possible by the Great Western Railway’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund.
One of the co-ordinators, Sarah Hume, COPC SEND Transitional Coach, thanked Great Western Railway, and added: “It was a fantastic showcase to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway. The students had a wonderful time – they really enjoyed taking centre stage!”
Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, said: “Big thanks to City of Portsmouth College and Great Western Railway for this energetic and fabulous contribution to rail’s 200th anniversary celebrations. It’s great to see students involved, as we’re keen to promote the railway as open to everyone and a fun place to build an interesting and rewarding career.
“The railway has changed the way we live our lives, and its achievements deserve to be celebrated.”
