It was announced earlier this year that the Blackpool Tramway would be acknowledging the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a special Tram Parade using “at least a dozen trams” whilst just a couple of weeks ago it was confirmed that the Parade would be followed by hop-on, hop-off tours. With all this happening on Thursday 2nd June more details have been announced of the core tram service during the Parade as well as the hop-on, hop-off tours.
Tram Parade
With at least a dozen trams due to be used the Parade will depart from Pleasure Beach at 1430 running north to Bispham. Its due to pause briefly by the Tower Headland for unique photo opportunities (the Headland will also be used for a event including live entertainment and a great picnic).
To accommodate the Parade the core tram service will run to a revised timetable with no service between Starr Gate and North Pier for a period:
- Last tram from Starr Gate to Fleetwood will be at 1415 with the next departure from Starr Gate to Fleetwood being 1500
- Last tram from Fleetwood to Starr Gate will be at 1335 with the next departure from Fleetwood all the way to Starr Gate being at 1501
Hop-on, Hop-off Prom Tours
Following the conclusion of the Parade there will be 4 heritage trams in service on a special Hop-on, Hop-off timetable. Running between 1600 and 1900 the trams will run journeys between Pleasure Beach and Bispham at approximate 15 minute intervals. The timetable for these tours is available on the Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours website at https://blackpoolheritage.com/the-queens-platinum-jubilee-parade-and-events/.
It is planned that the following trams will be used on these tours:
- Bolton 66
- Boat 227
- Boat 600
- Balloon 717
The Special Jubilee Promenade Tours will cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for children with Heritage Day Travelcards also available at Adults £18 and Children £9 (giving unlimited travel on these heritage tours plus any bus or tram).
There have been calls for some time for a return to Prom hop-on, hop-off tours (including in the comments section on this website!) so let us hope that these prove to be a popular addition for the afternoon of Thursday 2nd June!
In addition to the Parade and Hop-on, Hop-off tours the rest of the Platinum Jubilee Weekend includes evening tours (Thursday 2nd June) plus the usual Promenade and Coastal Tours and Tramtown Tours. You can find more details of everything planned in Blackpool on the Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours website at https://blackpoolheritage.com/the-queens-platinum-jubilee-parade-and-events/.
Congratulations and well done