Client: Varlink
Event: Annual Dinner
Date: 07/10/2025
Venue: Station Hall
Number of guests: 100
Photography: Allan Scott Commercial
“I would highly recommend the National Railway Museum as a space to visit and as a venue for hosting events. Sophie and Nicola from the events team were a pleasure to work with and were always on hand to help with any queries throughout the planning and delivery process. Their support and professionalism helped us create a memorable evening for our guests.”
Why did you choose the National Railway Museum for your event?
We chose the National Railway Museum as our venue following a fantastic experience at the previous year’s event, held in the Great Hall. The atmosphere was unique, and the service provided by the museum’s events team was exceptional. We were confident the museum would once again deliver an impressive setting and high-quality support for our annual dinner.
Please describe the brief of the event, when did it take place? Who was the event for? How many people? What were the core goals and objectives?
Our annual MTM Appreciation Dinner took place on 7th October 2025 at Station Hall. This year’s event was particularly significant as we celebrated 20 years of Varlink Limited and marked the retirement of our founder, Mike Pullon.
The evening brought together 100 guests, including key customers, manufacturers, and members of the Varlink team. Our goals were to celebrate achievements, present annual awards, honour Mike’s contribution to the business, and provide an opportunity for our stakeholders to meet Varlink’s new Managing Director, Wesley Chang.
Which space at the museum did you use as part of the event and how did it enhance the experience for your guests?
The event was held in Station Hall, which had recently reopened. We were delighted to be the first external event in the newly refreshed space. The hall’s historical backdrop and impressive collection of locomotives added a memorable and immersive experience to the evening, giving our guests a unique environment unlike a traditional dinner setting.
Were there any added extras you were able to include as part of the event due to holding it at the National Railway Museum?
Holding our event at the National Railway Museum allowed us to incorporate features that wouldn’t have been possible elsewhere. These included access to the atmospheric heritage surroundings, and the opportunities for guests to explore elements of the collection, further enhancing the experience.
How did the setting of the National Railway Museum contribute to the overall feel and purpose of the event?
The National Railway Museum’s setting played a major role in creating a sense of prestige and celebration. The unique environment supported our key objectives of marking a milestone anniversary, honouring longstanding relationships, and welcoming new leadership. The historical surroundings also provided a fitting backdrop for reflecting on Varlink’s 20-year journey and looking ahead to the future.
What feedback did you receive from the guests?
Feedback from our guests was overwhelmingly positive. Many highlighted the stunning venue, the exceptional service provided by the National Railway Museum team, and the incredible food served throughout the evening. The atmosphere and overall experience were widely praised, with many describing it as our best MTM event yet.
