Some news on events for 2011…

This year’s two transport events were terrifically successful, and both will be repeated in 2011. We are, however, swapping the events and dates. This is to avoid clashing with the numerous September steam events, which in turn makes the haulage etc. rather chaotic.

An outline of both events, subject to all the usual confirmations are:

Featuring a wide variety of steam traction, with several big surprises and definitely worth travelling to the museum to see! A number of very good exhibits have been invited and will be confirmed nearer the time. I also hope the Y7 will be running at the station by this time.

On the tramway front we can now confirm that our own Blackpool 31 will be moving shortly from Blackpool to Heaton Park to take part in their November ‘Blackpool Trams and Transport’ event, which looks set to be a brilliant end to the fantastic year of trams. Oporto 196 will return to Beamish. In time for the 2011 GNSF, Manchester 765 will move from Blackpool (where it will winter) to Beamish and spend several weeks with us here. Seeing it running through the street is something to look forward too! As ever, watch this space for more event announcements…

More information on the Heaton Park event can be found at:

In September we will have a second transport event, maybe a little less steam this time but with much more in terms of horse and tramway activity. I have a list of trams (plural!) I would like to attract for this event. There are again some interesting steam exhibits to be approached too so don’t feel that steam is being neglected! Less steam on the road does mean more space for other things, and there will be visiting railway exhibits (as there will be for the April event too).

Hopefully blog followers will be able to join us and make 2011’s events as successful as 2010s!