THE Douglas Bay Horse Tramway marked its 150th anniversary on Friday, 7th August. The anniversary celebration, took place just a week after another successful 'Manx Heritage Transport Festival' and less than four weeks since the historic visit by King Charles III.
Events started at 10:00 with 'Meet the Trammers’. In the space that once served as the Aquadrome car park, four tram horses were housed in temporary enclosures, available for visitors to pat and photograph. Nearby, the Road Services PD3A and the two DCTD Regent double deckers acted as a backdrop. Recently restored Horse Car 22 was on show outside the new tram shed, inside which tables had been set out offering activities for children. Caterers Praase provided food from their yellow trailer.
On the MER, Car 32 and trailer 50 were positioned in the Groudle siding at Derby Castle. In the Bay, visiting cruise liner Zuiderdam, the 82,000-ton, Vista-class vessel operated by Holland America Line provided a steady stream of passengers to the Electric line. Sadly, not least because of the Horse Tramway currently terminating at the 'Villa Marina', the international visitors had to forego what might have been a horse tram journey, instead arriving at Derby Castle by double-deck bus.
Horse Cars 36, 27, 18, 21, 29 and 42 were in position opposite the Terminus Tavern in readiness for the 'Cavalcade' due to depart at 10:30. Because of the restricted facilities currently in place at the southern terminus, just three horse trams could be dispatched at a time, the first group comprising Cars 18, 21 and 27 leaving Derby Castle just after 10:30. This first tranche of tramcars were able to be turned at Broadway to head back to the terminus, and were able to pass the second trio of Cars 29, 36 and 42 as the latter headed out. Horses included Bobby and Ginger (who together were destined to pull the double-decker 18), Torrin (21), Jackson (27), Maggie (36) and Harry. This process was repeated as the morning progressed, with each tram filled to capacity with fare-paying passengers. Passengers were offered a complementary bun featuring the Horse Tram 150 logo.
Horse Tram service 'P' resumed shortly after 13:00, and throughout the afternoon there were queues to board the full horse trams, including double-decker No. 18 with the top deck being especially popular.
From 14:00 festivities at Derby Castle continued with traditional Manx Folk dance group Perree Bane (Manx for 'white jacket' as worn by the male dancers), and from 14:30 Manx Music duo Elizabeth Davidson-Blythe and Daniel Quayle who performed on a small stage and p.a. system set up for the event and later speeches.
At 15:00, Andrew Cowie - Chief Engineer, Isle of Man Railways, gave a speech to mark the special occasion (see text below), during which Mr Cowie also paid tribute to Peter Cannon, who marks 50 years with the horse tramway, having started as a conductor back in 1976. Mr Cowie's speech was followed by a presentation to the staff of Isle of Man Railways by the Isle of Man Post Office's Maxine Cannon.
At around 15:05, a cake in the shape of Horse Car 27 was brought onto the platform. Peter Cannon was invited out to cut the cake - a move that was applauded warmly by those watching. An interesting feature was that the sides featured edible photo icing, depicting passengers who had travelled aboard Car 27 during the parade earlier in the day.
The event was rounded off by a short Q&A session with the horse tramway stables staff, who later 'got their own back' on their bosses, including Luke Collison, by decorating their hair with braids, yarn rolls, ribbons, rosettes, and flowers as normally used to decorate the horses’ manes. They were also required to duck for apples in buckets of water... A balloon artist provided entertainment for any children present, whilst the Manx music resumed in the background.
ABOVE: Shortly after 10:00, crowds were beginning to gather around six trams rostered to take part in the Cavalcade.
ABOVE: 'Meet the Trammers’. In the space that once served as the Aquadrome car park, four tram horses were housed in temporary enclosures, available for visitors to pat and photograph. Nearby, the Road Services PD3A and the two DCTD Regent double deckers acted as a backdrop.
ABOVE: Car No. 18, pulled by horses Ginger and Bobby, left Derby Castle shortly after 10:30, the first of a trio of trams taking part in the Cavalcade.
ABOVE: Car No. 21, pulled by horse Torrin and driven by retired DoI Director of Transport Services Ian Longworth, was second away.
ABOVE: Car No. 27, pulled by horse Jackson, was third.
ABOVE: At the southern terminus, shunting activity on the restricted tack work was limited to just three trams.
ABOVE: Around 11:00, a second set of three trams set off for the Villa Marina.
ABOVE: Two horse trams heading south and two MER cars awaiting departure, is unusual these days. It is a view which would have been commonplace just a few short years ago.
ABOVE: Passengers on board some of the trams were offered a choice of a free commemorative cake in either chocolate or vanilla variety.
ABOVE: Manx music duo Elizabeth Davidson-Blythe and Daniel Quayle, who performed on a small stage and p.a. system set up for the event and later speeches.
ABOVE: At 15:00, Andrew Cowie - Chief Engineer, Isle of Man Railways, gave a speech to mark the special occasion (see text below), during which Mr Cowie also paid tribute to Peter Cannon, who marks 50 years with the horse tramway, having started as a conductor back in 1976.
ABOVE: Mr Cowie's speech was followed by a presentation to the staff of Isle of Man Railways by the Isle of Man Post Office's Maxine Cannon.
ABOVE: At around 15:05, a cake in the shape of Horse Car 27 was brought onto the platform.
ABOVE: Peter Cannon was invited out to cut the cake— a move that was applauded warmly by those watching.
ABOVE: Sides featured edible photo icing, depicting passengers who had travelled aboard Car 27 during the parade earlier in the day.
ABOVE: Peter Cannon was later interviewed by Manx Radio's Lewis Foster. The text of this is available below, and you can listen to Manx Radio's report HERE:
Speech to mark 150 years of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway by Andrew Cowie - Chief Engineer at Isle of Man Railways
"A hundred and fifty years is a remarkable achievement for any transport system. But the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway has been much more than a way of getting from one end of the promenade to the other. It's part of the character of Douglas, part of the story of our island, one of the most instantly recognisable heritage attractions anywhere in the world.
There are only six horse tramways surviving in the world at the moment, and ours is only one of two that are in regular operation, which is really quite special. Our tramway has gained international recognition as the only surviving horse tramway that's been in continuous operation and still uses the original trams built for the service.
And since the first tram carried passengers along the prom in 1876, generations of residents and visitors have enjoyed the simple pleasure of travelling behind our magnificent horses.
For many people, a journey on the horse tramway is not just a ride; it's the start of a holiday, a childhood memory, a chance to cherish something uniquely Manx with family and friends. And over that time, the horse tramway has seen Douglas change beyond recognition. It's seen the town grow as a holiday resort massively.
It's lived through two world wars. It's faced economic challenges, changing expectations, and the arrival of more modern transport systems.
Through it all, the horse trams have remained a constant and much-loved link between our past and our present. And as we celebrate this milestone, it's worth remembering the story of the horse trams is not simply about the track, the rolling stock, the buildings. It's about people. It's about the countless passengers who've travelled these tracks, visitors enjoying the sea air along Douglas Bay, children waving enthusiastically over a hundred and fifty years to the horses, and families who return each year because a trip on the horse tram is simply part of a summer in Douglas. And each of them has added a small chapter to the tramways’ remarkable story.
It's also about the generations of staff who've worked so hard to keep this unique system running so well. Drivers, conductors, stable staff, farriers, mechanics, track workers, inspectors, cleaners, admin and volunteers, and many have given years of service to the Tramway, often in all weathers and always with a real sense of pride in what they do.
It's also worth noting in particular… our colleague Peter Cannon, who is celebrating his fiftieth year working for the Horse Tramways. I think he'll agree something really quite special. And hopefully, we'll have many more. Thank you, Peter.
I will also propose a particular debt of gratitude to those who came before us, men and women whose dedication preserved the Tramway during times when its future perhaps wasn't so certain, and their commitment ensured we're able to stand here today and celebrate something not just historic but something still living, working, and enjoyed. Many of those we've lost, but their legacy continues, and they should be remembered for what they've left us.
And of course, we must recognise the true stars of the Horse Tramway, our horses. For one hundred and fifty years, these wonderful animals have carried millions of passengers along Douglas Prom. They're the heart of the Tramway, and their welfare, care, and dignity remain central through everything we do as a team.
As we look back with pride, we should also look forward with confidence. The fact we're celebrating one hundred and fifty years today shows the strength, resilience, and appeal of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, and it remains an important part of our cultural identity.
It's also important to recognise Tynwald’s recent approval for the project to complete the tramway for its rightful terminus at the Sea Terminal and also how warmly people have welcomed the tramway’s full return.
For generations, the full Promenade route was an iconic part of Douglas Bay, and seeing it restored will mean a great deal to residents, visitors, supporters, and our team. I'd like to thank not just our minister and members but all those who put so much effort into getting the approval over the line. It's very much appreciated by us all.
[APPLAUSE]
So today, let us celebrate not only one hundred and fifty years of service but one hundred and fifty years of memories, dedication, friendship, community spirit, and determination. I'd like to thank everyone who continues to support the Horse Tramway, our passengers, our staff, volunteers, our partner organisations, supporters, and all those who just simply enjoy seeing the Tramway in working operation. Their continued support is what helps ensure this remarkable tradition has a strong future as well as a proud past.
And may the sound of hooves on the promenade continue to echo across Douglas Bay for many more years. Happy one hundred and fiftieth anniversary, Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, and thank you."
[APPLAUSE]
Manx Radio interview LISTEN HERE
PETER CANNON: Well, it's a celebration of a hundred and fifty years of continued transport of horse tram on the promenade. I was actually here for the hundredth celebration in nineteen seventy-six. So it's the icing on the cake for me really in some respects.
LEWIS FOSTER: Yeah. Fifty years yourself serving the horse tramway. Why that long? Why stay with this service?
PETER CANNON: Well, better than working for a living, isn't it? It's just that I started off as a seasonal job when I was at school and the horses just get a grip of you to be quite honest and you kinda I just kinda fell into it and just carried on doing it, you know. Perhaps I shouldn't, but here we are. Too late to bother about it now.
LEWIS FOSTER: What are some of your fondest memories do you think of the tramway?
PETER CANNON: Ffty years. That's asking a lot, isn't it? Well, I met the King last week, so that was quite impressive. I didn't expect to do that when I was seventeen years old. I've had Giant Haystacks on the tram, Nigel Mansell, Billy Idol, Mott the Hoople, and then people probably don't know who they are, but anyways, I've had a few people on the tram. We had the Olympic torch on one year, twenty twelve for the London Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Flames on. Things like that, you know. There are really too many to pick one out.
LEWIS FOSTER: Yeah. I can imagine. And as well, of course, we've heard about the extension. It's been reinstated back to the Sea Terminal. What would that mean to you to see that reinstatement and looking ahead to the future?
PETER CANNON: You'd hope it would secure the future of the whole thing, to be honest with you. I drove the last tram on the old line before they dug it all up, so I'd like to drive the first one on the new one. Hint hint to my bosses. But, no. It'll hopefully increase passenger numbers and generally ensure the system carries on into the future.