Birmingham New Street Station has busiest day in two years thanks to return of Christmas market

The return of the Frankfurt Christmas markets made last Saturday the busiest day at Birmingham New Street station since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

206,682 people passed through Britain’s biggest interchange station on Saturday 13 November 2021 – 2% more than the same Saturday in 2019.

It’s the first time daily passenger numbers have topped 200,000 since 20 December 2019.

Steven Ireland, head of stations and security for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “It’s great to see passenger numbers bouncing back and to see Birmingham New Street thriving once again.

“We’ve loved welcoming passengers back to the station over the last few months and the fact the Christmas market is back is a huge boost for the city.

“While this is great news we’re urging passengers to follow our three golden rules to make travelling in and out of Birmingham New Street as easy as possible.

“There will be extra staff in place across the station to provide advice and information and help keep passengers safe throughout the festive season.”

Millions of people are expected to visit Birmingham for the market until 23 December, which last year had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

While the stalls and attractions are a great addition to the city, it can mean trains and platforms are much busier at the station.

As with previous years, queuing systems may be used to safely allow people to board their trains home.

To plan journeys in advance and find out train times home passengers should check the national rail website .

Meanwhile, enhanced cleaning procedures will remain in place to stop the spread of Covid-19, with hand sanitiser on the station concourse.