As we reported at the end of last week, two Illuminated feature cars have been readied for display during Blackpool’s Lightpool Festival which is scheduled to take place between 21st and 31st October. In this pictorial article we take a look at the two trams – Western Train and Frigate – in position at North Pier and Starr Gate. Oliver Shenton provides the photos and there’s a link to a video included too!
Work had taken place to prepare the two trams for display – it had been hoped that the Rocket would also be able to be displayed but more work is needed on that so it isn’t possible at this stage – so that they could play a role in Lightpool.
The Western Train was moved to North Pier by the Unimog ahead of the event starting but with severe weather conditions hitting Blackpool it was removed back to Starr Gate on 24th October. After the worst of the weather passed, the Train returned to North Pier on 26th October – this time facing north.
As for the Frigate, that isn’t going far from its current home at Starr Gate Depot as it is just being displayed on the depot headshunt each evening (1730-2230).
- If you like your pictures to be moving head to YouTube where Blackpool’s Tram Heritage have footage: https://youtu.be/MGiWxMohtT0?si=0ioAhFEdhxPnHPK3
The Western Train was stabled in the loop at North Pier 24 hours a day (until moved back to the depot during the storms). It was not illuminated until the evening though as we see in this photo of the tram with Flexity2 008 alongside. 008 is only running as far as Manchester Square because of a broken span wire at Waterloo Road which was repaired around an hour later.
The Western Train with pantograph up and lights now on. Note the recently applied external fleet number.
Meanwhile, outside Starr Gate Depot has been where you can find the Frigate. This view shows the tram in the headshunt. (All Photographs by Oliver Shenton, 21st October 2026)