Crewe Heritage Centre is preparing for a packed September programme, combining railway history, family activities, live entertainment and new interactive attractions.

The Vernon Way centre's Rail Ale Festival runs from Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September, with 2026's returning event being delivered as a partnership with CAMRA, rather than the previous CAMRA-run format.

Importantly, the museum and exhibitions will remain open throughout the festival, meaning families can still explore the centre while the ale festival takes place.

Centre Manager, Edmea Tori, told Nub News: "It will be more museum-focused, which will be good."

The Heritage Open Days will then take place across September 11 to 20, with the free Heritage Fair on Saturday 19 September.

Cheshire Archives, the Family History Society, CAMRA, Queens Park and other groups connected to Crewe's history will bring displays, activities and artefacts to the centre.

The following weekend, Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September, will see the return of the centre's expanded 1940s event.

After a successful test event in 2025, Crewe Heritage Centre has increased the entertainment, with 1940s Radio providing music and compering throughout the weekend.

Performers will include KAI 11s as George Formby and Lancashire Belle, while a Lindy Hop dance group will run classes.

There will also be 1940s crafts, a games corner and exhibitions, while a small steam engine will visit the miniature railway on Sunday, bringing the sounds of 1940s steam back to the attraction.

Tickets for the 1940s weekend are slightly cheaper if purchased in advance through Eventbrite. Tckets are also available on the door and kids still go free. Purchase here for Saturday and Sunday.

But September is only part of the story.

The centre has undergone a series of changes aimed at making it more interactive and family-friendly.

Visitors can now climb steps into the cabs of the Class 87 locomotives, while a carriage at the end of the APT exhibition has reopened after being closed for two years.

Inside the main hall, volunteers have created full walk-in displays, including a railway cottage, a replica Co-op and an Anderson shelter.

At Crewe Heritage Centre, everything is designed to be touched, explored and played with.

Edmea said: "This season we have introduced 'Kids Go Free' for under 16's (must be accompanied by an adult) which as been a big hit and helped bring in local families to the centre.

"We also introduced our unlimited tickets which are £20 for an Adult or £40 for a family (two adults) which are still available to the end of season and mean if you visit more than three times, you start getting free entry, which is good for our regular local visitors.

"Here, we try to keep everything as hands-on as possible.

"If it gets pulled about, it doesn't matter, we'll just make another one."

Outside, six pocket gardens now tell different stories from Crewe's heritage, including a railway cottage garden, sensory garden, medicine garden and Dig for Victory garden.

The centre now has around 60 volunteers, including trustees, helping to run and develop the attraction.

Edmea said the volunteer team was "amazing and passionate" and played a major role in the centre's growth.

Visitor numbers have also continued to rise. Last year saw an 18 per cent increase, while this year's total has already surpassed last year's figure with weeks of the season still remaining.

"It's become a fun day out for the whole family, no matter what age," Edmea added.

Crewe Heritage Centre is open every weekend and Bank Holiday, as well as Wednesdays during Cheshire East school holidays, and remains open for 2026 until Sunday 1 November.

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Crewe Nub News, supported by Crewe-based family business, Swansway Motor Group, has launched the Crewe Prize Draw.

The Crewe Prize Draw sees one winner take home a cash prize every fortnight, with every ticket purchased helping raise vital funds for community-based causes in Crewe.

The first draw takes place on Thursday 13 August. Buy a ticket for just £2.