A highly popular open day is set to return this year. It’s rail freight’s highest profile public event, and draws thousands of visitors. The Crewe operation of Direct Rail Services is throwing open its doors later this year. The Carlisle-based operator has become synonymous with the event, which supports a fleet of local and national charity organisations.
Direct Rail Services (DRS), which has grown from a specialist operator into a respected general carrier, says it is delighted to announce that its charity open day returns later this year. The open day shows behind the scenes at what is now one of the UK’s leading rail freight operators. The event, in July, is a showcase for the industry and is billed as an event for all the family.
Advance tickets only (a bit like rail travel, actually)
The famously ‘railway town’ of Crewe in Cheshire, England, is no stranger to railway events. However, the return of the DRS Open Day is a highlight, even here. On 11 July, visitors will get a rare opportunity to experience behind the scenes at the company’s maintenance depot in Crewe. All the childhood ambitions can be fulfilled on the day – sit in the driver’s seat of a locomotive of choice, and ask questions to industry experts and, as the good-natured hype (press release) says: “much more”.
Staging of the show has been disrupted in recent years, particularly by the pandemic. However, it is back on track for this summer. “Tickets are available to order on the Eventbrite platform,” said a representative for the organisers, who stressed the need to plan ahead. “They cannot be bought on the day. There is a booking fee charged by Eventbrite, but all of the £5 [less than €6.00] ticket price goes to DRS’s sponsorship and donation fund.” Accompanied young people under sixteen years of age go free.
Nuclear to nappies and everything else
DRS is a full-service rail freight operator with a fleet of around 40 locomotives, representing the wide scope of the UK motive power scene. It is the rail arm of Nuclear Transport Solutions, which in turn is part of the UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), a public body responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient clean-up of the UK’s nuclear legacy. In other words, DRS runs the ‘flask’ trains around the UK network – as well as everything from intermodal ship to shore container trains and groceries for local supermarkets.
“I’m delighted we’re able to host another fantastic open day this year,” said Tony Hewitson, Interim Rail Director at NTS. “I am very excited to welcome guests to this wonderful family experience. The event opens at 10:000am on Saturday, 11 July at the Gresty Bridge Depot in Crewe and closes at 16:00. DRS has stressed again that tickets must be secured in advance. They’ve also invited would-be exhibitors to get in touch by emailing communications@ntsglobal.uk. The event will take place at Direct Rail Services, Gresty Bridge Depot, Gresty Rd, Crewe, which is connected centrally to all corners of Britain.