The most popular public event in the rail freight calendar has been cancelled for the second year running. Uncertainty over Covid restrictions has forced Direct Rail Services to put up red signals over their planned open day at Crewe in the north west of England. The event usually attracts thousands of visitors and raises funds for a variety of charities.

Direct Rail Services have been forced to pull the plug on their Crewe open day for 2021. It is the second year in a row that the highly popular event has fallen foul of Covid fears. The event is the biggest public engagement exercise in the annual rail freight calendar.

Out of options

The family friendly open day at Direct Rail Services in Crewe, which would have been their first since becoming part of the restructured Nuclear Transport Solutions company, has been cancelled. “We’re very sorry to announce that the planned 2021 open day at Crewe will not take place this year”, said the organisers. “When we postponed last year’s event we always hoped that we’d be able to host an open day in 2021 but, having looked at all available options, we have had to take the difficult decision to postpone the open day until 2022.”

The company had hoped to put the industry back in the spotlight after a year in which rail freight has been the subject of more attention than usual. However, the continuing government restrictions made necessary by the pandemic, have put paid to their efforts. “Understandably this is disappointing but safety is our main priority”, said DRS.

Back in 2022

“We’ve explored a number of options to enable us host a fantastic event but felt we can’t offer the experience you have come to expect from our open days. We’ll be looking to announce details of the summer 2022 open day in March. Thank you for your understanding and support, and we look forward to welcoming you all next year.”

The company has also in the past opened up their Carlisle head quarters to the public, but has not been able to consider that since 2019.