Two of Blackpool’s illuminated featured cars have gone on display for the Lightpool Festival. In a slight change of plan the Western Train has been moved to the North Pier loop whilst the Frigate is being pulled out of Starr Gate Depot each evening. Both trams are being lit up each evening.
The display of the two trams is for Lightpool only (an event which started on 21st October and continues until 31st October) and is part of Blackpool Transport and Blackpool Council’s plans for the continued future of heritage trams in the resort. With trams requiring further attention before they can run in passenger service again, in order to show they haven’t forgotten about the heritage cars they have been working alongside volunteers to be able to display them for this event.
It had originally been planned that the Western Train and the Rocket would be the trams which would feature but the Fylde Transport Trust owned Rocket requires a bit more work than the time allowed and so was not ready in time. The Frigate has replaced it in going on display.
Lea Harrison, Managing Director of Blackpool Transport, said: “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.
“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.”
Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “”I know how much our heritage trams mean to the people of Blackpool and to the many visitors who love them. I want to reassure everyone that Blackpool Transport Services, our heritage tram team and Blackpool Council remain absolutely committed to bringing them back onto our tracks. I understand the frustration that they are not running yet. We all want to see them back where they belong, and I know that as much as anyone. But we have to get this right. We have to comply with all of the latest safety legislation, and ensure our heritage trams meet the necessary standards.
“Whatever their age or historic importance, the safety of passengers, staff, volunteers and the public must always come first. Meeting those requirements involves overcoming a series of engineering challenges, but it is essential that we get it right. I want to be absolutely clear that we have not given up on our heritage trams. Blackpool Transport Services, the heritage tram team and the Council are working together with the determination to bring them back into service safely and sustainably.
“We want them back, and we want them to be here to stay. That is also why I am delighted that two of our illuminated heritage trams will be on public display as part of this year’s Lightpool Festival. I know people will be thrilled to see them, but I also appreciate that there will be questions about why they are on display rather than running on the tracks. The display is not a substitute for getting them back into service, and we know that is what people really want. But it is an opportunity to celebrate these wonderful trams, to show that they are still here and still cared for, and to demonstrate our continuing commitment to preserving them.
“Our commitment also extends to a heritage visitor attraction and the fantastic volunteers who have given so much of their time, knowledge and passion to protecting this important part of Blackpool’s history. They continue to have our support, and we are working with Blackpool Transport Services on plans to provide a home for this visitor attraction. Looking after our heritage trams is a real honour, and it is not something we take for granted. They are part of Blackpool’s identity, our history and what makes this town special. We have a responsibility to preserve that heritage for future generations.
“I know people want to see our heritage trams running again. So do I, our fantastic volunteers and the team at Blackpool Transport Services who is working to make it happen. There is still plenty of work to do, and I cannot pretend otherwise. But I want people to know that we are working on it, that our commitment has not wavered, and that we are determined to see our heritage trams back where they belong.”
The Western Train was towed by the Unimog from Starr Gate Depot to North Pier siding on the morning of 21st October and was due to be located there for the duration of Lightpool (including during the day). Weather permitting volunteers from Tramtown will be at the tram each evening. However, with the Fylde Coast being hit by stormy weather the decision was taken to tow it back to Starr Gate Depot on 24th October. Its not known if it will be moved back before the end of the event.
The Frigate will come out of Starr Gate Depot each evening from 1830 to 2230 (until 24th October) and 1730-2230 (from 25th to 31st October).
A view of the Western Train with lights on at North Pier. (Photograph by Steven Hughes, 21st October 2026)