Nottingham Express Transit (NET) has shared an important tram service update ahead of the annual Notts Pride celebrations which are set to return to the city this Saturday 26 July.
The transport operator has worked closely with the organisers of Notts Pride to rollout a revised timetable so visitors can attend the Pride celebrations and march safely.
There will be no services running between the Royal Centre and Old Market Square between approximately 11:20am and 2.30pm, to enable essential road closures required while the Pride march takes place across the city. The Old Market Square and Lace Market tram stops will remain closed during this time, and there will be no alternative transport options while the closure is in place.
Trams will still be running across the wider network, with trams departing from the Royal Centre towards Hucknall and Phoenix Park, and from Nottingham Station towards Clifton South and Toton Lane. Regular tram service will then resume at all stops from approximately 2:30pm when NET will return to its normal Saturday schedule.
Trevor Stocker, head of operations and safety at NET said, “Every year, Notts Pride gives the region the opportunity to express inclusion, pride and community within Nottingham City Centre, and it’s becoming increasingly popular. We thank the people of Nottingham for their patience this weekend, as these temporary tram stop closures enable us to help make our city safe for the many people who will be visiting us.”
NET has also teamed up with Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, and rail operator East Midlands Railway (EMR), to celebrate Pride in style with the return of the iconic ‘trambow’ tram.
Featuring an eye-catching rainbow design, this year marks the second year the technicolour tram has been rolled out, with the three organisations having once again joined forces to show their support for Notts Pride, and the city’s LGBTQ+ community. Championing the message ‘Ride with Pride’, the trambow will be in operation over the coming months, as well as during the city’s upcoming annual Notts Pride event.
It serves as a symbol of solidarity and an encouragement for the people of Nottingham to feel empowered to be their true authentic selves.
Sarah Turner, managing director at NET said: “We are thrilled to be able to bring back our trambow for a second year running, celebrating Nottinghamshire’s LGBTQ+ community through encouraging everyone to ride with pride. Collaborating again with Alstom and EMR on this has further affirmed our support for making the trams a safe space for all our customers.”
Peter Broadley, commercial director at Alstom said: “At Alstom, we are proud to stand alongside NET and EMR in celebrating Pride and reaffirming our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The return of the ‘trambow’ is more than a vibrant symbol – it’s a moving statement of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community in Nottingham and beyond. Through initiatives like this, we continue to champion safe and welcoming spaces for all.”
John Sturgeon, Finance Director at East Midlands Railway, said: 'We’re proud to stand alongside our partners, NET and Alstom, in bringing back the iconic ‘trambow’ for Pride. Supporting events like Notts Pride is an important part of how we reflect the diverse communities we serve, and how we’re committed to making sure everyone can travel safely and with pride.”
To find out more about NET, including more information on the service update on Saturday 26 July, visit the service status webpage at https://www.thetram.net/service-status.
For more information about Alstom, visit https://www.alstom.com/alstom-uk-and-ireland and for more information about EMR, visit https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/.