On Wednesday 8th June, the Hilton Hotel in Blackpool hired three trams from the heritage fleet for an evening private hire. With a large party of people to transport, the trio of green and cream liveried Balloon cars – 715, 717 and 723 – were selected for use on what was an atmospheric misty evening.
All three trams left depot and headed for Cabin to reverse, before loading near the hotel itself at a temporary tram stop. They then ran south to Starr Gate where they reversed again, before heading back to the Hilton to unload. After running empty to Cabin, all three then ran back to Rigby Road depot, their evening outing completed. It was certainly very unusual to have three Balloon cars out at that time of day, especially all painted green and cream – when was the last time that this happened, we wonder?
8th June was a busy day for the heritage trams with the illuminated Western Train 733+734 employed on an unrelated hire earlier in the day, and Railcoach 680 also out in the evening for another ‘Great British Night Out’ in connection with Harry Ramsden’s, with a delicious fish and chip supper served on board. Further interesting workings took place over the following weekend; Balloon 717 was used for a special tour in honour of the Queen’s official 90th birthday celebrations (although she actually turned 90 in April!) on Saturday 11th June. The tram ran a tour to Fleetwood with tea and cakes served on board, and its interior was decorated with Union Jack flags. The following day Boat 230 was used for a tour by its sponsors, the George Formby Society, and then stayed out as a special to boost that day’s heritage service until the heavens opened and it scuttled back to the depot.
This continues the recent trend of increased activity for the old trams with an ever-increasing number of private charters taking place, providing much-needed income to support the heritage operation.
Balloon 723 approaches Starr Gate during its evening excursion on 8th June.
The day was dominated by sea fog on the promenade - visible here in this view of 715 and 723 at the Hilton just after unloading their passengers. (Photos x 2 by Bradley Jones)
The magnificent trio, headed by 717, seen at the Hilton with the temporary heritage tram stop sign also in evidence. (Photo by James Millington)
Anyone near north pier at about 7.30pm that day must have thought they were having a time travel experience as 680 heading south passed the 3 balloons heading north in quick succession with no flexities in sight!
The Great British Night Out was an experience that I hope to repeat some time during the season!
It seems like old times!