'Testament to dedication' - Two of Blackpool’s best-loved heritage trams to take centre stage at Lightpool

Two of Blackpool’s best-loved heritage trams will take centre stage on the seafront during the town’s Lightpool Festival celebrations later this week.

The Western Train and Frigate trams are being prepared for static display thanks to the efforts of a dedicated team of volunteers working alongside Blackpool Transport engineers. The team has worked tirelessly to ensure both vehicles are ready for display during one of the busiest weeks of the illuminations season.

Plans had also been in place for the historic tram The Rocket to join them, but restoration work has proved more challenging than expected.

The Western Train will be on display at the heritage line at North Pier throughout the Lightpool Festival, which runs until October 31. Frigate, better known as HMS Blackpool, will be on display outside Starr Gate depot every evening from 18:30 to 22:30 up to and including October 24. From October 25, the display hours will change to 17:30 to 22:30 each night.

One of the most iconic vehicles in Blackpool’s heritage fleet, the Western Train is an illuminated twin-car tram based on a Santa Fe train. Frigate is also illuminated and remains a firm favourite among tram enthusiasts, making the two vehicles a highlight for visitors enjoying Blackpool’s Lightpool celebrations.

Lea Harrison, Blackpool Transport Managing Director, explained: “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.”