1995 saw a new concept of tramway open in the UK with the first new build permanent heritage tramway outside of a museum opening and now 21 years later the Birkenhead Heritage Tramway are set to mark the occasion with a special event in April as part of their 2016 series of events.
The year’s special events start as early as 19th February when the second “A Night at the Museum” takes place following on from a very successful similar event in November. Targeted at the family market the evening will also allow the rare chance to photograph trams in the dark running on the tramway between Woodside Ferry and Taylor Street Museum. Four trams will be in service including Liverpool 245 and special lighting effects will be installed at the Museum with refreshments also on offer.
Further family orientated events take place on 26th March (Easter Egg Hunt) and 20th August (A Superheroes Day Out at the Museum) before the main event of the year is always the Wirral Bus and Tram Show which this year takes place on Sunday 2nd October.
There will also be a 21st anniversary celebration on Saturday 16th April 2016 with further details due to be revealed on this in the coming months.
But you don’t need to wait for a special event to visit Birkenhead as the tramway is always running again for 2016 with trams running every Saturday and Sunday afternoon and also on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during local school holidays. What more excuse do you need to go and visit?
The long-term viability of this “heritage” tram line is now under question following Merseytravel’s recent approval a week ago of a future strategy for Mersey Ferries that envisages closure of the Woodside ferry terminal.
It hardly depends on the ferry to be fair!
James Street railway station 5 mins walk from Pier Head, Hamilton Square same from the tramway. Trains every 2 or 3 minutes, journey time about 2 minutes. ‘Sea Legs’ not required. Against a ferry once an hour. What’s the problem?