The illuminations might have been switched off for another year and the peak summer timetable has come to an end, but the Blackpool tramway is still a great source of interest. This was particularly evident over two days in November, when two local events and a series of interesting private charters involved winter outings for three heritage trams.
On Friday 18th November, Balloon 723 was hired for an enthusiast’s birthday celebration and operated an extensive system tour, which included a twilight run to Fleetwood. The Western Train 733+734 was also out and about, being filmed for BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing, with the scenes broadcast to around 11 million viewers during the following night’s live broadcast from the famous Tower ballroom. All seven of the competing celebrities who had made it to this point in the competition – including former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane and TV’s Judge Rinder – and their professional dance partners were filmed enjoying a ride aboard the tram for a short segment on the programme, which also aired a brief scene featuring Bolton 66 and Balloon 717. Sadly both of these hires took place in horrific weather conditions, meaning that 723‘s party-goers and the BBC film crew got absolutely soaked, although reports from the former suggest that all had a very enjoyable time in spite of the weather.
The next day, 723 was used again, this time on hire to a group of railway enthusiasts who hired the tram for a tour with the aim of using as much track as possible, including various loops and crossovers, with some unusual moves not normally possible. Meanwhile a special bonus heritage service was operated with Western Train 733+734 and Frigate 736 running between Pleasure Beach and Little Bispham to coincide with the switching on of Blackpool’s Christmas lights. An additional journey through to Fisherman’s Walk in the afternoon was then performed by the Frigate which then featured in a parade through the streets of Fleetwood for the start of the town’s own festive lights. This event had been due to feature Trawler 737 but unfortunately, ongoing issues with its extravagant new external lights conspired against this. Instead, 736 was ‘stolen’ from the heritage service to ensure that an illuminated tram was present for the occasion, with Balloon 717 taking its place for the last few trips of the day. The Frigate then returned to depot from Fleetwood empty, marking the end of an interesting few days for the heritage tram fleet.
The next interest will come courtesy of a gold event weekend on 26th & 27th November, with Santa Specials to follow next month. Winters in Blackpool seem more interesting than they have been for many years lately, and hopefully this will continue with an increasing demand for private hires and other workings all year round.
The weather on November 18th was largely appalling, but Balloon 723 was captured during a photo stop at Cabin in a gap between downpours. (Photo by Rob Bray)