As in previous years, Birmingham New Street will be the setting for a three-course meal for vulnerable people on Christmas Eve.

The meal is a cooperation between Network Rail and the Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS), which recognises that while most people settle in to spend Christmas with family and loved ones, others often face a lonely and bleak time.

The Midland Langar Seva Society is a charity based on the Sikh principle of ‘dasvand’, where people give 10% of their time and earnings to help those less fortunate than themselves.

This will be the seventh time the award-winning charity has teamed up with Network Rail to provide hot food, entertainment, and gifts to people in Birmingham. Up to 300 homeless and vulnerable people are expected to enjoy the festive party at the busiest station outside of London on Christmas Eve.

As well as three courses of vegetarian food, guests will enjoy non-alcoholic drinks, be entertained by a DJ and carol singers, and receive Christmas gifts.

To accommodate the event, a section of the station concourse will be reserved between 2 pm and 5 pm on December 24, with volunteers from Network Rail, the rail industry, and the Midland Langar Seva Society working throughout the afternoon to cater for up to 300 guests.

A spokesman for the Midland Langar Seva Society said it was honoured to celebrate the seventh year of our Homeless Christmas Eve Dinner with Network Rail, with its tradition of love and kindness for those facing the season alone.

They believe no one should be forgotten, especially at Christmas, each evening they serve meals and on this occasion they serve hope, and for those missing loved ones they are there to remind them they are not alone and that they matter.

Last Christmas, 500,000 passengers used Birmingham New Street, many of them visiting the city’s Christmas market.

“A hot meal in a welcoming environment makes a real difference to those in the city who find themselves needing some extra help and support at Christmas, so we’re really proud to be bringing it back this year with the Midland Langar Seva Society and the help of local businesses. MLSS does great work across the Midlands and beyond, and it’s a pleasure to be able to host this special Christmas meal and provide people with a chance to unwind for a few hours out of the cold and in the safe company of others.”

Elizabeth Graham, Birmingham New Street station manager