Just like London buses – or is that like Blackpool trams in days gone by?! – another tram special event is upon us with the annual Anniversary Spectacular due to take place on the Blackpool Tramway on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd September. A firmly established event in the special events calendar now you know the drill by now – every heritage tram which can run will run at some point of the weekend with an intensive timetable and specials in operation whist there will be stored trams on display at Rigby Road Depot, depot tours (limited availability) and free bus tours around Blackpool. For full details read on…
When is it?
Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd September between approximately 1000 and 1700 (check out the timetable – link below – for exact details of times trams run)
Where is it?
Blackpool Tramway
What Trams are in service?
Exact details of which trams will be used haven’t been announced but the promise is that if the tram is operational it will run at some point over the weekend. Whereas at normal Gold weekends trams are allocated to certain services all trams out will run on a front of the queue first basis!
What timetable will run?
A special timetable will run on both days with trams leaving Pleasure Beach at least every 20 minutes between 1000 and 1700. Many other services will also run as specials. There will also be full length journeys from Starr Gate to Fleetwood Ferry. In addition to the standard heritage service there will be a depot shuttle linking the two depots, running hourly.
The full timetable can be viewed on the Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours Facebook page with details of the depot shuttle and heritage bus service available here.
What else is going on?
* Plenty of photo opportunities at Pleasure Beach loop with trams resting in between services.
* The Tram Shop will once again be back at the North Pier/Tower heritage stop with the chance to get all your tram related gifts including calendars for 2019.
* Trams will be on display at Rigby Road on each day with different trams out each day
* Behind the scenes tours of Rigby Road and Starr Gate depots. All tours are booked on Saturday but limited availability remains on Sunday 23rd September. To book please phone Emma on 01253 209 521
* Free heritage bus tours
How much is it going to cost?
Standard heritage fares apply. The best value is a £11 (adults) heritage day ticket (which covers all Blackpool Transport services – heritage trams, modern trams and buses). This ticket costs £6 for children and a family ticket is available for £25. For full details of all fares available please visit the Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours website.
Extra costs apply for anyone participating in the depot tours.
The weather
Just what will it be like over the event? Find out if you need to pack a brolly or shorts by viewing BBC Weather (other weather websites do exist – keep looking until you find a forecast you like!)
British Trams Online coverage
We should have regular updates throughout both days of the event on Facebook.
Full coverage of the event will then follow at the end of September/start of October.