Crewe Heritage Centre is joining national commemorations this Bank Holiday weekend (May 3 to 5), as it opens a special exhibition entitled 'Crewe at War', in time for VE Day.

Built and curated in partnership with over 50 Heritage Centre volunteers and members of the local community, the exhibition brings together a unique collection of artefacts, photographs, and personal stories from WWII in Crewe.

Opening at 10am on Saturday 3 May, the new exhibition will explore themes around daily life, the bombing of Crewe, VE day, and the legacy of war in the town.

2025's exhibition, which follows on from last year's popular Crewe Works display, will include an Anderson shelter for visitors to look at, as well as display boards with local scenes.

Opening at 10am on Saturday 3 May, the 'Crewe At War' exhibition will explore themes around daily life, the bombing of Crewe, VE day, and the legacy of war in the town (Ryan Parker).

Heritage Centre chair, Gordon Heddon, told Nub News: "The exhibition content focuses on the stories of normal, daily life on the home front in Crewe, from feeding a family on rations, to taking on 'spare time' work helping load railway trucks.

"There are so many fascinating stories to discover, such as the deliberate camouflaging of factories to confuse the enemy.

"We have been able to weave in personal accounts and artefacts, which share the lived experiences of local people during wartime.

"And, we have made innovative use of sets and props, many of them hand-built by our volunteers, to present an engaging and immersive experience for our visitors.

A Winston Churchill impersonator will be at Crewe Heritage Centre, along with his wife, at a special 1940s weekend from 26 to 27 July (Crewe Heritage Centre).

"We are especially grateful to Mpire Books for sharing their research and helping us put together such a captivating story of Crewe at War."

The exhibition opens on the VE Day weekend (alongside Crewe Heritage Centre opening hours) and runs until Sunday 19 October,

It will be accompanied by a range of events and activities, including:

• Saturday 3 May: Performers and tribute acts will bring WWII to life. Visitors can experience what is was like to be recruited in to the Home Guard with chance to explore their weapons and equipment. Plus, from 11am to 12pm, a Vera Lynn tribute act will perform live on The Crewe Cab in the Exhibition Hall
• Saturday 26 July to Sunday 27 July: Dress up for a fun-filled 1940s weekend. Visitors can meet special guest Winston Churchill & his wife, enjoy nostalgic songs by the Andrew Sisters, and Vera Lynn, and take part in our family friendly craft workshop creating bunting and rosettes
• Saturday 23 August to Sunday 25 August: Another chance to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII with a host of activity including live music, a 'Dig for Victory' planting workshop, and even a 1940s hair stylist on-site

Crewe CWS Clothing Factory Girls, from May 13, 1941, on display at the 'Crewe At War' exhibition (Mpoir Books).

All events and activities are included free with general admission.

Crewe Heritage Centre is open every weekend and Bank Holiday, as well as Wednesdays during the Cheshire East school holidays. Admission starts from £6.

READ MORE: Urgent appeal to find missing 13-year-old girls from Crewe.

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