Since its inception in 2005, the annual Totally Transport event held on Blackpool’s New South Promenade has been a major highlight in the annual calendar for enthusiasts of transport in general, including fans of the town’s historic trams. The last two events have been spoilt by the absence of a tram service south of Pleasure Beach, effectively severing the event from the tramway – but now that the entire line has reopned, it had been hoped that the 2012 event would be much improved.
However, in a baffling move, the local Council have given the go-ahead for a pop concert starring McFly and The Wanted to take place at the new Tower Headland arena on Sunday 24th June: the same date as this year’s transport event. Although not confirmed, the close proximity of this concert arena to the tramway is expected to cause serious disruption to the tram service – especially at the beginning and end of this daytime event, which will result in thousands of people crossing the tram tracks within a short space of time. As the gates open at 12:30pm and the show is due to finish at 7:30pm, this could have dire impliactions for Totally Transport 2012.
Blackpool Transport have previously stated that their new heritage tram tours, currently operating each weekend between Pleasure Beach and Little Bispham, will probably be cancelled on days when major events are being held in Blackpool that are likely to disrupt the tram service – so presumably there will not be any vintage trams running during this year’s event. This will come as a massive disapointment, as due to bad timing, what has traditionally been one of the best days of the year for tram enthusiasts could now become one of the worst of the entire season! It had been hoped that historic trams would be able to run to Starr Gate in order to serve the event, but this would now appear to be very wishful thinking.
The Lancastrian Transport Trust, who are largely behind Totally Transport, have stated on their Facebook page that they expect BTS to run the normal heritage service on the day of the event but they seemingly have no concrete evidence of this and it would seem more likely that the tours will be axed. Even if an attempt is made to run them, bearing in mind the level of problems recently caused by a fun run, the tram service is expected to suffer badly on this date. Although the other attractions will hopefully be of the usual high quality for 2012, anyone planning to visit purely for the trams is best advised to go elsewhere that weekend – unless of course you happen to like boybands!
The only date that we cannot operate heritage tours at all is during the Elton John concert on the 16th June, and which we have provided advance notice of. This is the only date where a complete stoppage occurs. While there is a possibility that the heritage tours may experience some disruption during the McFly concert, particulary at the lunchtime period, we fully intend to operate the heritage tours for Totally Transport. I hope this assists in scotching these unsubstantiated rumours.