For the last time in 2025 we go “Old and New” as we feature images of trams both heritage and modern on the Blackpool Tramway. And this time we find ourselves at Pleasure Beach.
The traditional tramway is represented in this image of Boat 605 which was taken on 4th September 2005. Thunderbird 3 is the Gardens on the other side of the road and the Boat Car carries a special wartime green and cream livery (never carried in normal service). The tram will terminate at Pleasure Beach and it seems the ride along the Prom has been very popular with barely a spare seat to be seen. The tram now calls San Francisco its home.
There’s no International Rescue in Blackpool anymore as Thunderbird 3 has long gone and in this image there is no open top tram either as one of the Flexity2 trams is just pulling into Pleasure Beach tramstop on its way to Starr Gate. The tram is 012 which carries an all over advert for the Pleasure Beach itself. Date is 22nd September 2023. (Both Photographs by Gareth Prior)