The 2023 season is now underway at the Crich Tramway Village, although the first trams ended up running a couple of days later than planned thanks to the snow! Originally due to open for the first time this year on Saturday 11th March there was heavy snow in the Midlands the day before which meant it was not safe for visitors, volunteers or staff to get to the museum so the sensible decision to delay opening was made.
It was Monday 13th March that the museum did open for the first time, but even that wasn’t without incident! The snow may have gone but this had been replaced by high winds which meant it was only possible for trams to run as far as Wakebridge with the exposed section to Glory Mine closed for the day. The Woodland Walk was also closed at the start of the day due to a fallen tree but that was able to open later in the day.
Two trams were in service on the first day with Glasgow 22 and Sheffield 510 kicking off things for 2023.
Tuesday 14th March was then the first full day of operation with the line to Glory Mine able to be used and it was also the first three tram service of the year. 510 and 22 were again in action and they were joined by the first single decker of 2023 – Blackpool 167.
The fourth different tram of the year to run then followed on Wednesday 15th March with Leeds 399 allocated to service. It ran alongside Blackpool 167 and Sheffield 510.
And then on Thursday 16th March the trio in action were Glasgow 22, Blackpool 167 and Leeds 399.
Subject to anymore nasty weather, Crich is now open Saturdays to Thursdays plus Bank Holiday and school holiday Fridays until Thursday 13th July after which its daily opening for the summer.