Let’s Bring Back the Magic say local leaders – 30th anniversary of international rail services arriving at Ashford International Station sparks rally cry for their return

On 8 January 1996, the UK's second Eurostar station opened - Ashford International Station. It heralded a new era in international rail travel for Ashford and East Kent passengers. 1996 also saw:

• The first flip mobile phone released; with over 60 million units sold
• AOL was the most popular website of the year, but only 20m people had internet access
• Google began indexing the web, but didn’t have its own domain until 1997
• Dolly the sheep became the first mammal cloned from an adult cell
• Gascoigne and Shearer starred in Euro 96, while Damon Hill won the F1 championship
• Oasis was at the height of their popularity (first-time round) and Legoland Windsor opened
• First two passenger train operating companies began franchises as British Rail privatised

Ashford International Station’s opening came after an 18-month, £80million construction project, which had started in June 1994, to transform the town's station into 'Ashford International'. Two new platforms were built for domestic trains to replace those used by Eurostar.

Bring Back the Magic

On the 30th anniversary of international rail services arriving at Ashford International Station, with millions of passengers having taken services from Ashford to European designations, attendees celebrated the significant impact the investment has had, discussed why restoring these vital links to Kent matters, the continued effort to bring them back and the opportunities their return will bring.

The event included a French-themed breakfast and speeches from local leaders, businesses, campaigners, and key rail stakeholders as they recalled the magic of having Paris, Brussels, Disneyland, and the South of France on our doorstep and the positive impact of international rail travel through jobs created, businesses built, and lives transformed.

Why It Matters

Restoring services would: cut travel times to Paris and Brussels by up to two hours compared to current routes, support sustainable travel and reduce reliance on air transport and unlock significant tourism and inward investment opportunities for Kent and the wider South East.

Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “Restoring international rail to Ashford isn’t just about convenience—it’s about bringing back the magic of opportunity, adventure and connection that has shaped our town for three decades.

"For 30 years our station has been a gateway for business success and unforgettable family journeys. Reopening international services would save our residents and businesses around £16.5 million a year, inject over £500 million annually into the visitor economy, and unlock billions in wider growth.

"In celebrating 30 years of this wonderful station, it should remind us that reinstating international rail will reignite opportunity and rekindle those family and business journeys that made our community thrive. It’s time to bring back the magic.”

Robert Sinclair, CEO at London St. Pancras Highspeed added: “For much of the 30 years of Ashford International’s history the station has played host to international services, taking the people of Kent through the Channel Tunnel and to Europe.

"As the owner of this international high-speed line, we are committed to seeing our railway and stations used to their full potential, and we welcome the support from the Kent region.

“Through initiatives like our recently announced International Growth Incentive Scheme, we are encouraging train operators to serve Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International stations and support the sustainable growth of high-speed rail that will benefit the Kent, and wider UK, economy.

"We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with train operators and stakeholders to unlock opportunities for both passengers and the region.”

To find out more about the Bring Back the Magic campaign, please visit our dedicated page towards restoring international rail services to Ashford.