Shire residents will be transported back to the days of World War I when the Sydney Vintage Tramway Festival is held at Loftus on Sunday, February 28 .
The Sydney Tramway Museum is hosting the festival to commemorate the role of the NSW tramways in World War I.
Trams played a vital role in the preparations for the war including transporting diggers from military camps at Moore Park, Centennial Park and the Randwick Rifle Range to the wharves at Circular Quay and Woolloomooloo to sail off to the battlefields of Gallipoli and the Western Front.
The trams were also waiting from those who were able to return. Several were converted to ambulance trams to transport sick and wounded soldiers from the ships returning home to Randwick Military Hospital in Avoca Street, Randwick
The oldest tram that will be running on the day was built in 1896 and the newest in 1912.
There is also a tram on loan from Powerhouse Museum built in 1909, a typical Sydney O class tram. Over 600 of these trams ran on the Sydney suburban network.
Sydney Tramway Museum public relations officer, Peter Kahn said the festival will be an authentic experience for visitor.
“A lot of the tram crew will be dressed in period tramways uniforms,’’ he said.
Also assisting during the festival will be the 18th Battalion, Great War Living History Group who will be dressed in period army uniform.
The museum’s trams will be running every 20 minutes, north up to Sutherland on the museum line alongside Rawson Avenue, and south to the former Royal National Park Station 2km from the museum.
The Sydney Tramway Museum is located at Pitt Street, Loftus. The festival will be held on Sunday, February 28 from 10 to 5pm.
Entry to the festival is $18 for adults, $12 concession and $10 for children, with children under the age of five getting in for free.
The fee includes unlimited entry rides during the day and entry to the Museum’s display hall which has more than 40 trams on display ranging in vintage from 1894 to 1952.
The museum has a picnic area with undercover seating and free electric barbecues.
There is also a bookshop and kiosk.
Visitors arriving by road should follow the Old Princes Highway through Sutherland Shopping Centre. Ample parking is available near the Museum.
Travel by railway is convenient as Loftus Railway Station is located adjacent to the Museum.
For information on the museum go to www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au.
