A tram has been named in honour of Rochdale-born superstar, the late actress and singer Dame Gracie Fields.
The new Gracie tram has taken its first trip, with representatives from the council and Metrolink making the journey from Rochdale railway station into Rochdale town centre.
The move was made possible by Metrolink and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) after talks with the leader of Rochdale Borough Council, Richard Farnell.
It’s the first time a new tram, which replaced the older T-68 fleet, has been named after a famous person, with Lancashire Fusiliers and Coronation Street trams also in service.
Councillor Richard Farnell, leader of the council, said: “”Gracie’s tram “Sing as we go” is the only one in Greater Manchester to be named after an individual, so this is a rare honour indeed for the town’s most famous daughter.
“When Gracie was growing up in Rochdale in the early part of the last century, trams were the main mode of public transport. It’s fitting therefore that the world’s most famous entertainer of the 1930’s and 1940’s should now be honoured by naming a modern tram of the 21st century after our singing superstar.”
The seventh plaque in a specially created purple plaque trail to highlight places of significance to the Gracie story in Rochdale was also unveiled at the Regal Moon pub as part of the celebration. The latest plaque honours the performances she gave there when it was a theatre and cinema.
TfGM director Peter Cushing said: “I’m pleased to be able to launch the Gracie Fields tram in support of the series of commemorative events organised by Rochdale Borough Council.
“A real star of stage and screen, Gracie is undoubtedly one of the town’s most famous daughters and I’m sure these events – and the fact we’ll now have a Gracie tram on the network – will mean a lot to residents all over the borough.
“The tram will operate right across the network, encouraging people to “sing as we go” on their commute.”
A celebration weekend is planned for 16-18 September 2016 to mark the unveiling of a statue of Gracie in Town Hall Square, Rochdale. The celebration will start with a stylish 1950s dinner dance on Friday 16 September 2016, where guests will be served a 3-course meal, designed by local celebrity chef Andrew Nutter. Gracie songs will be played, while Backstep Boogie will transport guests back to the era with jive and swing dancing.
On the Saturday, residents are invited to join a choir rehearsal at Touchstones Rochdale from 1pm to practice 3 Gracie songs, which they will then perform at the statue unveiling on Sunday. The statue itself will be unveiled on Sunday 18 September 2016 at 1pm.
