Not previously featured on British Trams Online was the operation of Blackpool’s heritage tram service to Starr Gate on both Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th August. This resulted from the partial closure of the promenade on both afternoons for a music event, forcing the heritage trams to terminate at Tower – and so the service was extended to the tramway’s southern extremity to offer some consolation!
Thanks to Anthony Caddick we can now share some images showing a number of trams gliding along New South Promenade on the afternoon of Sunday 27th August. Whilst this was a very disruptive period for the tramway, it must be said that the heritage service did extremely well under difficult circumstances. No doubt boosted by fine weather, a large number of visitors were persuaded to enjoy a ride on a historic tram and with such a high concentration of cars along the main promenade section, passenger loadings were very high indeed. The provision of a temporary heritage stop opposite the Coral Island site was also very popular and ensured that the trams were well placed to hoover up passing trade at this busy location.
The two trams currently on loan from Heaton Park, 623 & 680, are seen passing on New South Promenade.
Ex-Towing car 680 glides north past the photographer on its way to the temporary Tower stop.
Brush car 623 is pictured heading north from the same position.
Finally we see Balloon 715 heading towards Starr Gate with the Big One rollercoaster dominating this scene. (All photos by Anthony Caddick)