Ahead of Black Friday weekend, passengers are being advised to plan ahead as thousands are expected to travel to Birmingham for the sales.

Around 230,000 people passed through Birmingham New Street last year for Black Friday, which is 60,000 more than on a standard Friday.

Black Friday, Christmas Markets, Cyber Saturday, Comic Con at the NEC, and football fixtures taking place this weekend, making this one of the busiest weekends of the year.

This means both trains and platforms will be much busier, and passengers are reminded to not only check timetables online, but to know which are the last few trains home, and not to rely on the last service, as this will be particularly busy and be conscious of those around you and be respectful.

Queuing systems may be in place at busy times to ensure people can board safely.

“This weekend could be one of the busiest we’ve ever seen at the station, with many festivities and events happening in and around the city. Whilst great for Birmingham, it means busier trains and more people on platforms and the station concourse. 

“Every year we carefully plan for and safely manage big increases in passenger numbers, but I’d please ask passengers to do their bit by following our three golden rules to make their journeys as smooth as possible. 

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

Elizabeth Graham, station manager at Birmingham New Street