It is only a few days until the centrepiece of Stagecoach Supertram’s 21st anniversary celebrations with a Depot Open Day taking place at Nunnery Square Depot on Sunday 25th October – with free entry! Highlights look set to be the unveiling of a tram in a special livery and the chance to take a tram ride through the tram wash.
Gates will open at Nunnery Square Depot between 1000 and 1530 with all welcome to take a look behind the scenes to see just what goes on to help run the Supertram service. There will be tours around the depot, welding demonstrations, demonstrations of the multi-cars (which run on the tracks and elevate to provide access to the overhead) and a unique opportunity to ride on a tram as it travels through the giant tram wash. In addition Supertram Man will be on hand and children can go on a bouncy castle and have their faces painted whilst there will also be an activity and craft marquee with Supertram themed activities.
At 1100 a tram will be unveiled in a special livery with artwork designed by local artist Pete McKee.
It will also be possible to see photos from the past two decades of operation along with talks on the history of the Supertram network. And for those who want to look forward rather than back details will be available on the new tram-train service due to commence in 2017.
And no birthday party would be complete without a cake! A special 21st Anniversary cake in the shape of a Supertram tram will be cut during the event and other refreshments will also be on offer.
Visitors can either make their way to the depot by tram or alternatively part in the adjacent Nunnery Square park and ride site where parking is free.
123 - the first of the trams to receive a second coat of the current fleet livery - is currently carrying 21st anniversary celebratory adverts with 6 of these now adorning the tram. (Both Photographs by Stuart Cooke)