Organisers of the annual Fleetwood Tram Sunday (or to give it its correct title “Fleetwood Transport Festival”) have shocked people by announcing that the event will not take place next year – its 25th anniversary. The reason for the axing of the event is because there are not enough volunteers available to enable the event to take place safely. However, since the original announcement efforts are being made to save the event.
Keith Yates, Chairman of Fleetwood Transport Festival Ltd, said: “We are genuinely so saddened it can't continue. We love Fleetwood and the people – we get a buzz from seeing families together enjoying themselves and it's a massive boost for the town and its economy. But it's such a big event and there are too few of us. Lots of people want to help on the day, but there are just a handful of us trying to organise it throughout the year."
The event’s costs have been steadily rising and organiser say increased Health and Safety legislation has also caused them to take the decision. The 2008 Tram Sunday event cost £11,000, the majority of which was raised by fundraising with £1,600 coming from Wyre Council.
Since the announcement from the organisers local councillors and politicians have been attempting to see if it can be saved. Cllr Russ Forsyth (Wyre Council Leader) said: “The festival is a fantastic event which attracts thousands of visitors every year. We must do all we can to make sure it continues."
Source: Blackpool Gazette