One of the big highlights of the first part of 2020 was the Seaton Tramway’s fundraising Tramathon event culminating in a 24 hour continuous tram trip which was streamed online through all weathers. Details of the 2021 Tramathon have now been confirmed with the news that trams will again run for 24 hours – starting at 1200 on Saturday 5th June and running until 1200 on Sunday 6th June. And whereas 2020 was an online only experience this year you can buy tickets to take part in the knowledge you will also be helping to raise vital funds for the tramway!
As with the 2020 event it is planned that Boat style tram, no. 4 will be used extensively for the Tramathon trips with it due to both start and end the Tramathon. The special Tramathon journeys will run every hour from Seaton and will be operating alongside a normal service. Amongst the highlights of the 24 hours will be:
Saturday 5th June at 1200 – first Tramathon trip with no. 4
Saturday 5th June at 1600 – Character Hour with all their favourite tramway characters climbing on board to say hello
Saturday 5th June at 1700 – Driver’s Eye Tour. A full run-down of the line and how to drive a tram. Scheduled to be with no. 19.
Saturday 5th June at 2100 – Quiz Hour! A General Knowledge and Tram related quiz on board no. 10 and online!
Between 2300 and 0700 trams will run Seaton-Colyford-Riverside-Colyford-Seaton
Sunday 6th June at 0800 – Birdwatching through the Axe Valley with Steve Waite using no. 10
Sunday 6th June at 1100 – Last Tramathon trip using no. 4, arrives back at Seaton at 1200.
To jump on-board any of the Tramathon trips you need to purchase a special ticket, which also includes a full Explorer trip for the remainder of the day of issue. Tickets will cost £20 for adults and £15 for children (aged 2-15) and can be booked online at https://www.tram.co.uk/events/view/tramathon-live.
But don’t worry if you can’t make it to Seaton as the whole thing will be streamed online again and you can still help with the fundraising from the comfort of your own home! You can donate any amount to the tramway at https://tram.digitickets.co.uk/category/21089?navItem=68487, buy a Hero Ticket (which can be purchased and then redeemed as an All-day Explorer ticket on any operating day until December 2021), purchase a Loyalty Card or buy Gift Vouchers. And anyone who donates more than £5 before 12th June will be entered into Prize Draws which will take place during the Tramathon – prizes will include Driver’s Eye Experiences, Tram Driving Lessons, Free Tickets and a Years Free Travel.
The 2020 Tramathon won the Tramway the Most Innovative Fundraising Idea award at the 2021 Heritage Railway Associate Awards and the 2021 edition looks set to be even better with the chance to physically take part for the first time! It’s a great opportunity to support the Seaton Tramway at a time when the usual revenue from visitors has fallen and to help ensure the tramway for future generations!