DRS charity open day returns to Crewe Gresty Bridge depot

The popular Direct Rail Services (DRS) charity open day event is returning after an enforced two-year break due to the pandemic.

The event will take place at the company’s Crewe Gresty Bridge depot on July 16 between 10am and 4pm.

The freight operator is giving people the chance to see behind the scenes for the first time since it became part of National Transport Solutions (NTS).

Visitors will be able to look around the Crewe maintenance facility, and a number of locomotives from the DRS fleet are expected to be on display.

The company has stated that the event will also feature naming ceremonies for some of the fleet. NTS deputy chief executive officer and rail director Chris Connelly said: “I am thrilled that we are able to host our fantastic open day this year after a long absence.

“It’s been a tough couple of years throughout the pandemic so it will be great to get out and have a celebration of rail with some old friends – and hopefully many new ones. “The money raised from the open day goes to help charities, community projects, and good causes throughout the country, and we’re really proud of the support we provide through this fabulous event.”

DRS is currently going through a period of change, with many of its older locomotive fleets now being taken out of service and sold off, as the freight operator moves to operating more modern fleets on its services.

This has seen the company dispense completely with its Class 20 fleet, while serious inroads have been made into the operators Class 37 and Class 57 fleets. Tickets for the event are priced £5 each for adults and are available to pre-order on the DRS website, but can also be bought on the day. Under-16s are free and do not require a ticket but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

The DRS depot open days have been a long-standing event for the company, often alternating each year between its Carlisle and Crewe facilities, and raising thousands for charities in the process. While depot open days were once a common occurrence across the railway, there are now very few occasions where enthusiasts and members of the public are able to visit such facilities.