Blackpool Tramways

[St Helens Rider]

RE: Blackpool Tramways
Come and join the celebrations!
The weekend of the 24th & 25th September is the nearest to the anniversary date which marks 131 years of the Blackpool Tramway and following on from the success of last year’s 130, we will be making sure that this is a weekend which goes down in history – Heritage Tram Tours style! An absolute Tram-fest all weekend with something for everyone. So whether you like riding, photographing, watching or just want to be part of the continuing history of this unique part of Blackpool, we look forward to seeing you and you will be very welcome.

The Heritage Tram Service
The core Heritage Tram Service will operate between 1000hrs and 1800hrs departing from Pleasure Beach every twenty minutes and operating to Bispham, Little Bispham & Fleetwood. Additional ‘specials’ will operate on an ad-hoc basis dispatched in the time honoured fashion by the Inspector at Pleasure Beach. Don’t worry, the full tramway Starr Gate to Fleetwood service hasn’t been forgotten – half hourly departures from each terminus. Depot shuttles will operate hourly too on an extra special Hopton Road to Starr Gate via North Pier service.

The Trams
All serviceable passenger carrying trams will be used over the weekend of the event and will be parked on the two loops at Pleasure Beach when resting between trips to allow for photographs. This will of course include our illuminated feature cars. The 2015 ‘Scruffy Surprise’ which turned out to be Balloon 723 has since been treated to a paint job and is resplendent in 1980s guise as many of you will have seen. Tough act to follow! This year who knows what we may pull out the hat. Perhaps a ‘not so scruffy surprise’ but you will have to wait and see! A line up of unrestored trams and engineering vehicles will be parked on Blundell Street (Rigby Road Depot) to allow unique photographic opportunities and the line up will be different on each of the days.

The Heritage Bus Service
The popular free bus service over some of closed tram routes and part of the promenade will operate over the weekend adding an extra special dimension to the spectacular. Old favourites like the PD3, Swift, Atlantean and Delta will be joined by our open top Olympian & Coach Seated Altlantean in it’s stunning original livery.

Depot Tours
Guided tours of both Rigby Road and Starr Gate Tram Depots will again be available giving an opportunity to see behind the scenes in both our oldest and newest facilities. Tours will operate every hour, on the hour & must be booked in advance as places are limited due to safety requirements. A special ticket is available at £10 (£6 for Children, under 5s free) which includes the tour at both depots and a ride on a Tram through the operating wash at Starr Gate! Ring Emma on 01253 209521 weekdays between 1230 and 1530 and leave a message, we will get back to you. Alternatively email us at heritage.trams@blackpooltransport.com

Souvenirs
Limited edition runs of Heritage Tram Tours branded merchandise will be on sale at the Anniversary Spectacular Weekend. All sorts of pens, fridge magnets, notebooks, 2017 Calendars, mugs, and even some bus stops will be available! These can be purchased from our ‘Shop & Information Tram’ which will be parked at North Pier Heritage Stop on both days of the event.

Ticketing
Even though it’s a very special weekend, our tour prices remain the same. Adult example tickets; £3 mini tour North Pier – Pleasure Beach, £5 round trip tour Pleasure Beach - Bispham or Fleetwood & our excellent value £10 day ticket. (Don’t forget the day ticket gives you unlimited travel on all Heritage Tours, the modern LRT trams and Blackpool Transport bus services – it even covers you for the evening illuminations tours which start from Pleasure Beach after dark!). Tickets may be purchased on any Heritage Tram, LRT Tram or Bus – be sure to ask clearly for a Heritage Day Ticket!

As with all events, we will try and run everything as advertised but sometimes we may have to alter, curtail or cancel due to circumstances beyond our control. Timetables for the core heritage services and details of souvenirs for sale will be published no later than a week prior to the event weekend.

Credit: Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours Facebook Page.