All aboard new boats in the park!

A flotilla of boats have taken to Stanley Park lake on Sunday, to celebrate both the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year and the launch of 32 brand new vessels for visitors.

To celebrate the opening of these boats, the fleet was christened in the appropriate way, with a bottle of champagne being broken on the Hull of the boat.

This method of christening new boats is one which goes back to the Vikings and was believed to bring good luck to ships. The tradition continues even to the modern day, with large cruise liners regularly given the treatment before their first voyage.

The new electric boats replace the current rowing and motorboats, which have been used on the lake since the 1960s.

Hagop Tchobanian, Managing Director of Blackpool Parks Ltd, said: "Stanley Park Lake has long been the main attraction in the park and these new hybrid boats are both visually attractive and create a far more sustainable experience for visitors to the lake and the lakes inhabitants!

"We are very excited about all the improvements to Stanley Park and overall increasing the visitor experience.”

Cllr Graham Cain, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Culture, said: "Stanley Park is a fantastic place for all the family and to have a new set of boats for people to enjoy is a massive boost.

"We work very closely with Blackpool Parks, as we do with all companies who run services in Blackpool, and I'm really happy that they've gone the extra mile to help us improve our parks offer to residents and visitors.

"I think these boats will be really popular. Not only are the electric boats greener, they are also quieter and easier for people to use, which is a massive bonus.”

To celebrate the launch of the boats, Blackpool Parks will also kindly donate 50p from every boat sale to the Mayor's charities.

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