The annual Fylde Tramway Society Convention weekend, held over the long May Day Bank Holiday weekend, is usually one of the highlights of the year for Blackpool tram enthusiasts. Traditionally the weekend features a number of special tram tours using some of the more interesting rolling stock available in the town, but for 2012 something different is planned. No private hires will be taking place, probably because Blackpool Transport are committed to providing enough platform staff to operate the advertised level of service, but there should still be plenty of opportunities to ride on historic Blackpool trams over a three day period.
To compensate for the lack of private hires, Blackpool Transport have generously agreed
that enthusiasts who wish to attend the FTS events can pre-book tickets to ride on their own vintage tram timetabled service at a specially discounted price. Providing at least 50 people book on each day, the Society have been given a very generous discount although anyone who wants to make the most of this offer must book their tickets through the FTS by April 27th. After this date the normal ‘Heritage Pass’ fare of £10 will apply. For the advance tickets however, a bargain price of £7 for one day or just £12 for both Saturday 5th
and Sunday 6th May is on offer. Hopefully this will encourage critics of the new heritage service to give it a try, and this arrangement should give enthusiasts a very good value deal as of course this pass also allows unlimited journeys on modern trams and buses for as long as the ticket is valid.
The weekend activities conclude on Bank Holiday Monday 7th May, with a bus trip to the Heaton Park Tramway in Manchester, where preserved Blackpool Brush car 623 should be in service, along with fellow ex-Blackpool resident Stockport 5. This will be a great opportunity for anyone without their own transport to visit this fantastic tramway and see their latest acquisitions, whilst also socialising with fellow tram fans. The return journey by bus costs a very reasonable £7, or £3.50 for accompanied children.
Other planned events across the weekend include a film show presented by well-known
local author and historian Steve Palmer on the evening of Friday 4th May, a ‘beer & buses’ event on Saturday 5th May and the Society’s Annual General Meeting the same day. Further information on how to book a place on any of these events will be available through the FTS website and the Society’s monthly magazine shortly.
One of the highlights of the 2012 FTS Convention should be the Heaton Park vist where two old friends should be in service. Blackpool 623 and Stockport 5 are pictured here at Lakeside on 11th March. (Photo by Joe Savage)