A new name for Blackpool ‘Boat’ 227

The ‘Friends of Blackpool Tower’ Facebook group has revealed that one of Blackpool’s most legendary entertainers is shortly to be honoured with a tramcar named in his honour. Charlie Cairoli was the most famous clown ever to perform at the Blackpool Tower Circus and, following the recent unveiling of a statue of him, his name will be carried by recently repainted Boat car 227.

A statue of Charlie Cairoli was recently placed in one of Blackpool’s public parks, but has sadly suffered at the hands of vandals, prompting calls for it to be moved to a safer location, either adjacent to the ‘Comedy Carpet’ on the promenade, or possibly within the Tower building itself. However, Charlie is to receive a further honour when 227 is adorned with his name over the coming winter. It is not currently clear what work will be undertaken, but presumably the car will be treated in a similar way to car 230 which is of course a tribute to another famous local entertainer, George Formby, with his smiling face displayed prominently on the trolley tower and wooden name plates alongside the centre platform doors.

227, previously known as 602, only recently returned to use following a long lay-off and was repainted in a stunning cream and red livery, inspired by the 1920s Blackpool Corporation tram fleet colours. This development will mean that all three of the remaining Boat cars still in Blackpool will carry names, with 227 joining ‘George Formby’ 230 and ‘Duchess of Cornwall’ 600. This welcome investment will no doubt boost the appeal of these ever-popular trams, and once again confirms Blackpool Transport’s commitment to the long-term future of these iconic trams on their native system.

227 pauses at Pleasure Beach during the August 'Extramaganza' event alongside 'George Formby' tram. Next season both trams will be paying tribute to local legends of the entertainment business. (Photo by Andrew Waddington)

 

 

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