On Sunday 6th July, the Heaton Park Tramway will be hosting a very special event to celebrate Manchester 765‘s centenary year. Regular readers of this site will no doubt be aware that 765 has been under overhaul during the early part of the year, and so this event will be a double celebration as it will also see the tram running in passenger service for the first time this year.
Although 765 is the main focus of this event, the other trams on site will not be forgotten and this special day provides the perfect opportunity for anyone who has not yet seen some of the latest additions to the Heaton Park fleet since their arrivals to pay a visit. For full details of what to expect, read on!
When is it happening?
Sunday 6th July 2014, from 1030 until around 1700.
Which trams will be running?
It is planned to operate a regular three car service for most of the day, with Manchester 765 returning to active duties following a centenary ceremony at 1100. Blackpool cars Vanguard 619 and Brush Railcoach 623 are also due to be in service throughout the day.
What other trams can I expect to see?
For many people the highlight of this event is likely to be a line-up of trams from the Greater Manchester area at Lakeside; note that this will take place inside the new depot if the weather is wet. This will feature the first opportunity to see Manchester cars 173 and 765 posed together since the former arrived at Heaton Park last December, with Stockport 5 also expected to join in. In addition, Blackpool Balloon car 702 will hopefully be on display outside and will also be opened up for inspection so that visitors can board this tram (again, weather permitting). With both the tram depots at Middleton Road and Lakeside open to visitors it will be possible to view all of the trams currently on site, including the latest arrival, Oldham 43.
What other attractions will there be?
Look out for a special display on the history of Manchester 765 and a selection of model trams showcasing the history of Manchester’s trams in miniature form, ranging from early horse cars to Metrolink. In addition to the Manchester tramcar line-up at Lakeside, there will be photo opportunities featuring two vintage Manchester buses from the nearby Transport Museum at Boyle Street, and the tramway’s cherry picker will also be featuring in some of the day’s events. Finally, no birthday celebration would be complete without a cake, and there will be light refreshments available at the old tram depot/museum, with the well-stocked gift shop also open as usual.
How much will it cost?
As the tramway is located within a public park, there is no charge for admission to this event and most of the extra attractions will be free (although naturally donations are very welcome!). Normal fares apply and membership cards will be accepted as usual. A special souvenir programme will also be on sale giving details on all the day’s events and a brief history of car 765.
Will there be any online coverage?
British Trams Online will be represented at this event and readers can look forward to a report and photo gallery afterwards. Some live coverage may also be provided on our Facebook page; check back nearer the time for details.
Manchester 765 is seen at Heaton Park in June 2012, when it was decorated for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. (Photo by Tony Waddington)
And I pick this of all weekends to go for my TDE at Seaton! Oh well, I look forward to seeing the report on BTO (which obviously will be the next best thing!)