Heritage tram treat for Blackpool’s Lightpool Festival

Two of Blackpool’s best-loved trams are to take centre stage on the seafront during the town’s Lightpool celebrations later this week.

Working alongside Blackpool Transport engineers, a team of volunteers have worked tirelessly to ensure the Western Train and Frigate trams are ready for static display during one of the busiest weeks of the illuminations season.

Plans were in place for them to be joined by The Rocket tram, but restoration work on the historic tram has proved more challenging than expected.

Lea Harrison, Managing Director, explained: “We’re fully committed to the long-term future of our heritage operations, and the static displays during Lightpool will highlight some of the work being done on the fleet.

“For Frigate and Western Train to be ready for the start of the festival on October 21 is a testament to the dedication of all involved.”

Throughout the Lightpool Festival, which runs until October 31, the Western Train will be on display at the heritage line at North Pier.

Frigate, meanwhile, better known as HMS Blackpool, will be on display outside Starr Gate depot every night from 18:30 until 22:30 up to and including October 24. From October 25, it will be on display each night from 17:30 until 22:30.

One of the most iconic trams in the heritage fleet, Western Train is an illuminated twin-car vehicle based on a Santa Fe train. Meanwhile, Frigate is also illuminated and a firm favourite among tram enthusiasts.

“Volunteers are now stepping up their efforts to fully restore Rocket for static displays, while our own engineers continue to repair and upgrade other trams in the fleet so that they can be used for future heritage tours on the seafront,” Lea added.