Blackpool Balloon 717 became the first heritage tram to run on the tramway with passengers since the end of the 2025 Illuminations (in very early 2026) on Sunday 3rd May 2026 when it ran a private (and popular!) tour for the Fylde Tramway Society.
As confirmed by Blackpool Transport last week the day after the news about Tramtown closing in its current form permanently, the FTS had hired the tram for a tour during their annual convention weekend. And so it was that 717 was back out on the Prom to take those eager to get a ride on a Balloon Car once again (the first Balloon to have run in service anywhere since the end of 2025) on a tour of the tramway – and it covered the majority of the network including North Station!
The three and a half hour tour ran:
North Pier and Tower – North Station – Thornton Gate – North Station – Pleasure Beach – Cabin – Starr Gate – Little Bispham – North Pier and Tower
The next planned outing for a heritage tram (with passengers) will be Bolton 66’s tour of the network for the Electric Railroaders Association for New York on Friday 8th May with Balloon 717 due out again on Thursday 21st May for a Trinity Hospice organised National Dementia Action Week trip.
In preparation for the trip on Friday, Bolton 66 has also recently been seen testing on the tramway.
Details of planned public heritage tours from later this summer will be announced in due course.