Blackpool Transport responds to rumours that heritage trams will not operate during 2026
“Operational trams need more significant work before they can be safely and reliably returned to service.”
Blackpool Transport has responded to social media rumours suggesting that no heritage tram services, including illumination tours, will operate during the 2026 season.
The company says it remains hopeful that heritage tours could return in time for October’s Lightpool festival, but recent inspections have found that operational trams require further work before they can return to service.
Lea Harrison, Managing Director of Blackpool Transport, commented: “While we are hopeful that heritage tours can return in time for October’s Lightpool festival, recent inspections of the fleet have found that operational trams need more significant work before they can be safely and reliably returned to service.
“This work includes structural welding, upgrades to electrical systems and axle repairs. Other options include staging static displays featuring two of the town’s best-known trams. This is dependent on being able to complete restoration works on the 'Western Train’ and ‘Rocket’ over the next few weeks, and on whether a suitable location can be found.”
“We remain committed to preserving Blackpool’s rich tramway history and further updates will be issued in due course.”
Regular heritage tram operations were suspended in December 2024. While limited tours have taken place since then, including services during the latter part of last year’s Illuminations and a small number of private hires earlier in 2026, there has been no permanent heritage tram operation.
Similar concerns over the heritage trams’ operation in 2026 were also raised earlier this year by Blackpool heritage tram volunteer Cllr Paul Galley, following issues with the town’s modern Light Rail Transit (LRT).
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The modern fleet had been found to be at risk of derailment, prompting Blackpool Transport to carry out repairs to the satisfaction of the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The modern trams have subsequently been operating to a reduced timetable to accommodate urgent maintenance work on their suspension systems.
Cllr Galley said serious questions were being asked about whether Blackpool’s heritage tram fleet could face the same operational restrictions affecting the modern fleet, with Blackpool Transport confirming that the heritage fleet would have to meet the same safety guidelines as the modern fleet, emphasising that this would not necessarily prevent heritage trams from operating in 2026.
However, with September now underway, the heritage fleet has missed the main summer season.