There’s always something a little bit special about preserved trams running after dark (probably because it doesn’t happen that often) and that was the case over the weekend of Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th November at the Crich Tramway Village. This saw an extra special event take place – “A Journey Through Time and Light” – which for many included the highlight of trams running in the dark. Steven Hughes was there on Saturday 9th November and has shared a selection of images with us.
Trams which ran on Saturday 9th November included Blackpool trio 40, 166 and 236, Leeds 399, Sheffield 510 and London County Council 1 joining in later on in the day as well. 399 carried special illuminations whilst both 166 and 236 had their usual strings of lights ablaze as darkness fell.
Alongside the trams in service – which were so popular queues of those wanting a ride stretched back to the shop at times! – the museum street was illuminated, there were old time music hall performances and other entertainment from Morris dancers.
The event seemed to be a very popular addition to the late season calendar bringing more visitors to the museum just before it went into winter hibernation. We say hibernation but it may be closed to visitors but there will be plenty of work going on behind the scenes getting the museum ready again when it reopens in March 2025.
Leeds 399 sets off from Town End with its special illuminations in place. It passes Blackpool 40 which waits to be called forward.
The two Blackpool open single deckers with strings of lights are seen here at Stepheson Place. Toastrack 166 with its colourful lights passes Boat 236, the latter of which has the appropriate “TOUR OF ILLUMINATIONS” destination display.
Sheffield 510 comes back down to Town End.
London County Council 1 “Bluebird” was a late entry into service on the day and is seen in this photo just about to come under the Bowes Lyon Bridge.
Blackpool 40 is seen here at Stephenson Place. (All Photographs by Steven Hughes, 9th November 2024)
- A video of the event can also be viewed on Steven Hughes’ YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/0BQdldSS48U
There will be lots more photos from Journey Through Light and Time in a future British Trams Online update.
Brilliant event, made even better when LCC 1 made an appearance
Really enjoyed the video. Why don’t they use the trolly reverser?
Trolley reverser – the apex frog is defective and really needs a complete new one.