Community Rail Lancashire Marks 25 Years with World Hijab Day Celebration
Accrington Plaza Hosts Special Event Promoting Inclusion and Cultural Understanding.
Accrington, 3 February 2026 – Community Rail Lancashire (CRL) celebrated World Hijab Day 2026 with a vibrant event at Accrington Plaza, marking a significant milestone—25 years of Community Rail in Lancashire.
World Hijab Day, an annual event founded by Nazma Khan in 2013, takes place on 1 February across 140 countries. The day is dedicated to encouraging women of all faiths and backgrounds to wear and experience the hijab, fostering greater understanding and unity among communities.
CRL’s commemorative event brought together women’s groups from across East Lancashire, who travelled by train to Accrington. The day featured hijab demonstrations, henna hand painting, a modest wear fashion show, and opportunities for Ramadan shopping. Guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere and refreshments at the on-site café, all hosted within the welcoming environment of Accrington Plaza—a local business renowned for its South Asian clothing and household items.
Building on a longstanding partnership with Accrington Plaza, CRL invited Sumera and Humara of Conceal Clothing to share their expertise. In previous years, the sisters captivated passengers and staff at local railway stations with their diverse hijab styles and demonstrations. This year, the event reversed tradition by inviting the public to the Plaza, where the sisters showcased different ways of wearing the hijab for various occasions.
The celebration was a resounding success. Attendees, including members of Accrington’s Station Adoption group, Stations of Welcome, joined in the festivities—many trying the hijab for the first time and participating in the fashion show to express their faith and heritage through clothing and accessories.
This special World Hijab Day event marks an inspiring beginning to CRL’s year-long celebrations for its 25th anniversary, highlighting the power of rail to bring communities together and promote inclusivity across Lancashire.
