Beer and cider fans came together to enjoy a family-friendly Crewe festival celebrating its tenth year - pulling in large crowds from across the UK.

The Crewe Rail Ale Festival took place from Friday (September 16) to Sunday (September 18) at Crewe Heritage Centre, Vernon Way.

For its tenth annual year, there was a choice of over 40 cask ales and over 10 ciders in different styles and strengths.

Rail Ale Festival fans enjoying their drinks at Crewe Heritage Centre (Kez Challacombe).

They were sourced from local Cheshire breweries - with some from further afield.

Free soft drinks were available for children and designated drivers.

Connoisseurs rated the beers and ciders via the 'Untappd' app on their smartphones.

Refreshments were available and there was indoor and outdoor seating.

Crewe Heritage Centre exhibits were also open to visitors including miniature-gauge railway rides.

Visitor, Chris White, by an InterCity 125 High Speed Train (Jonathan White).

The event was enjoyed by several hundred visitors over the three days and was expertly organised by the South Cheshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

All organisers of the event were volunteers - managing to make it a huge success.

Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Union Flag at the Crewe Heritage Centre's main gate was at half-mast.

Crewe Heritage Centre was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, on 24th July 1987.

Crewe Heritage Centre official opening plaque - 1987 (Jonathan White).

This was to mark the 150th anniversary of the first train to arrive at Crewe Railway Station in 1837.

The Crewe Heritage Centre is located between the Crewe-Chester and West Coast Mainline on the site of the original Crewe Locomotive Works.

This year's festival charity was St Luke's Hospice.

For its tenth annual year, there was a choice of over 40 cask ales and over 10 ciders in different styles and strengths (Kez Challacombe).

The event was sponsored by Mat White Financial Services Ltd, The Bhurtpore Inn, Aston, The White Lion, Hankelow, Davey QP Services Ltd, Terry & Chris and Kez & Amanda.

It was also sponsored by Elizabeth Bayley, in remembrance of her husband John St, Clair Bayley and Debbie & George Cooper.

READ MORE: Experienced professional footballer to visit Crewe town centre shop this week.

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Ryan Parker and Jonathan White