Blackpool’s Illuminated trams have always turned heads when they come into their own during the annual Illumination season from September until November each year. The operational Illuminated tram fleet currently consists of three trams – Western Train, Frigate and Trawler – although there are another couple stored in Rigby Road Depot waiting for their chance to be restored back to use. This article concentrates on the three serviceable feature cars.
20th September had been a wet day which means that the lights on the Western Train are seen reflected in the surface as it waits on Pleasure Beach loop. Probably the most popular of the illuminated trams the Western Train is used on most nights of the illuminations and on this night is seen with Balloon 715 behind which was also on tour duty.
A nautical theme has always been popular with the feature cars and this view shows two trams based on sea faring vehicles. On the right is the Frigate and it is joined by the Trawler, complete with its state of the art lighting system.
The Western Train again on 21st September. This time we see it coming to the end of a tour as it approaches Pleasure Beach. (All Photographs by Gareth Prior)