Tickets are now available for the return of heritage trams to Blackpool Promenade with 14 nights of Illumination Tours taking place during the Lightpool Festival. Both Balloon 717 and the Illuminated Frigate have been cleared for use during this period, and there will be three tours each evening (although its not every day during Lightpool).
The pattern of tours will be Wednesday-Sunday from Wednesday 15th October until Saturday 1st November with either the Frigate or 717 out on each night. There are set to be three tours on each evening – departing Pleasure Beach at 1805, 1930 and 2100. The Frigate will be out on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with 717 in use on Thursday and Saturday.
Tickets cost £15 for adults and £10 for children. They not only allow travel on the Tour but also offer unlimited travel on Blackpool’s regular tram services on the same day.
The Illumination Tours will run the traditional route. Starting from Pleasure Beach they will head north to Little Bispham and then after using the loop will come back south with participants able to either alight at North Pier and Tower or continue back to Pleasure Beach.
Jane Cole, Blackpool Transport’s Managing Director, said: “Over the past few months, our engineers have worked tirelessly to ensure these trams can operate to the latest safety standards, and I would like to thank everyone who has made this possible.
“Everyone at Blackpool Transport is really excited about seeing these much-loved vehicles return to service for the special tours during the Lightpool Festival, and we can’t wait to welcome passengers aboard for these special trips. Following the festival, the trams will temporarily return to storage while we plan for future heritage tours.”
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, added: “We’ve always known how important heritage trams are to our visitor economy. They are a big part of our history and heritage, and it will be great to see them back on the tracks.
“We’ve worked exceptionally hard with Blackpool Transport to make sure they can return for Lightpool Festival, and I really hope that people enjoy seeing the trams and more importantly show their commitment by booking on the pre-paid tours.”
Tickets can be booked online at https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/blackpoolheritage/items/286168/calendar/2025/10/