For many years, Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours were a brilliant way to take in the sights and the Lights. Travel the promenade and enjoy an iconic, traditional part of Blackpool.
The Future of Blackpool’s Heritage Trams
Sadly, on 6 December 2024 a shock announcement came out. For the foreseeable future there will be no more Heritage Tram Tours. But it’s NOT all bad news! On 10 December, Blackpool Transport Managing Director Jane Cole made another statement.
Heritage Trams are Safe!
After the statement released by Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours, Jane Cole issued the following statement addressing concerns regarding the future of the Heritage Tram operation. She says:
“As Managing Director of Blackpool Transport, I would like to reach out to everyone who has expressed their concerns about the future of the Heritage Tram operation. I am the biggest advocate for the preservation and future of our beautiful assets.
“I can confirm that the future of our heritage trams is safe and we aim to have them back on the Promenade next year. However, before that can happen there are a number of complex operational issues that need to be addressed. While we work on these, we have made the difficult decision to suspend operations. We apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience this has caused to our passengers but it is the right decision at this time.
“Recently we have been able to run the heritage trams out of Starr Gate depot which does not interfere with the ongoing works at Rigby Road. We are considering how this could provide a solution to some of the challenges we are currently facing. It is also important to clarify that the suspension of tram tours does not affect plans for the Rigby Road tram shed. In fact, it highlights the importance of bringing our vision for Tramtown to life to preserve Blackpool’s heritage.
“Blackpool Transport Services and Blackpool Council remain committed to continue working with all our volunteers, supporters and stakeholders during this pause in the operational running of the heritage fleet.”
Suspension of Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours
In a statement on their website they say –
“Following a thorough review, we have made the difficult decision to suspend our Heritage Tram Tours. Operating the Heritage Trams alongside our modern fleet has become increasingly challenging. Issues such as depot space, tram movements, general safety and maintenance conflicts are making it difficult to continue running the service effectively.
“This decision was not taken lightly. But we believe it is the most practical step to support the evolving needs of our business and maintain the overall efficiency of our operations. As part of our efforts to future-proof and safely grow our core tram network following the North Station extension, we are introducing advanced safety systems. Including the Obstacle Detection Assistance System (ODAS) and the Collision and Overspeed Monitoring and Prevention Assistance System (COMPASS). These technologies are essential to maintaining safety. Especially during busy times such as the summer, illuminations and festive seasons. The systems also allow us to improve operational efficiency, and ensure the sustainability of the network.
“The Heritage Trams are a cherished part of Blackpool’s history, and we fully recognise their importance to the community. However, ensuring the ongoing safety and sustainability of the service has become increasingly complex. This pause provides an opportunity to reflect on the role of Heritage trams within a modernised and safe tramway network.
“By reassessing their operation, we aim to explore new ways to honour Blackpool’s rich transport heritage. At the same time maintaining our commitment to a safe, efficient, and future-focused service. We are dedicated to finding innovative opportunities to honour and showcase Blackpool’s iconic tramway history. We thank you for your understanding as we work towards this.”
Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours
Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours provided an experience like no other. To ride along the world famous Blackpool Tramway aboard a piece of moving history along the fantastic seafront of this world famous seaside resort.
Many of these original trams are over 80 years old – and it’s a unique experience. Blackpool was the only place in the UK where you could ride a Heritage Tram still travelling on the line it was originally built for!
All of the heritage Tramcars, are, by definition, old! They need tender loving care, maintenance, and in many cases restoration.
Many have moved to different places, joined different collections and had different owners. There are opportunities to bring some of them back home, restore them and, one by one, add them to the fleet.
Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours
Thanks to a fleet of volunteer drivers, the Heritage Trams were out on the promenade throughout much of the year. Different trams from the Heritage fleet would operate Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours on different days. On beautiful sunny days the open-top tram cars would come out too!
- Online bookings at blackpoolheritage.com are offline for the foreseeable future.
Did you know? Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours consistently got excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, including a 2022 Travellers’ Choice Award.
Preserving History
The harsh winds and salty air plays havoc with the trams metalwork. They need constant maintenance and repairs to maintain their immaculate good looks. Before returning to service there’s a programme of restoration for each one in the workshops at the Rigby Road Depot. Look at this tram undergoing full refurbishment –
Tramtown Blackpool – a new visitor attraction
The tram depot at Rigby Road in which Tramtown is located is one of only three remaining working locations in the world. It features around 40 trams, some up to 120 years old. And in 2023 ambitious plans begin to transform into a brand new museum.
It’s wonderful news! Blackpool Tramtown, the heritage tram depot, secured £800,000 to start work on Phase One of a new four-phase vision to create a brand new visitor attraction for the town.
We went along to the launch event on Saturday 25 February, to hear about the exciting Four Phase Plans –
Bryan Lindop is head of heritage at Blackpool Transport. He said “Replacing our roof is the first step on a journey that will secure the future for our famous trams in their rightful home. It underpins our strategy to develop a long-term vision for a visitor attraction. The roof is the most expensive single item on our To Do List. And it’s also the most essential to keep out the elements, protect the fleet and make the remaining repairs less onerous.
“The current building is in vital need of renovation, but houses a fleet of more than 35 vintage trams. First of all, the roof needs replacing to stop water from coming in. Then the building needs regenerating, to give better structural integrity and protect the trams from the torrent of Fylde Coast wind and rain.”
The next step is to raise £70,000 for purpose-built doors to keep the wind and rain out of the facility. Can you help?
Keeping the Heritage Trams on the Tracks!
Until recent years there wasn’t a long-term intention for the transport operator to continue running Blackpool’s Heritage Trams. Renovation of the tramway and introduction of modern, light rail trams in 2012 replaced the operation of the old trams.
It’s only the dedication of volunteers and collaborative working with partners across the resort that’s enabled them to continue to run, delighting residents and visitors to Blackpool’s seafront.
Queen’s Award for Heritage Trams
In June 2020, Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours, part of Blackpool Transport Services, was honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. It’s the highest award that a UK voluntary group can receive.
The volunteers who operate Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours enable the protection, conservation and operation of a unique fleet of vintage tramcars on the tramway for which they were built. Their work widens public access to a rich part of the nation’s heritage. They’re also:
- developing a wide variety of skills,
- creating a major contribution to the welfare of their local community
- and fulfilling the purposes of wellbeing, learning and education.
Did you know? That Blackpool is one of only two tramways in the world to operate double-deck trams?
Remarkable Volunteers
Head of Heritage, Bryan Lindop says: “I’ve worked with this remarkable group of volunteers for over 5 years. It fills me with great pride to see them achieve this pinnacle of national recognition. A lot of dedication, commitment, sheer grit and determination is needed to maintain their high standard of excellence.
“Volunteers, the public and the heritage fans come here to benefit from the feel good factor the trams create. They’re inspiring new generations to cherish and appreciate their heritage; to participate in something culturally unique and life affirming. By doing so, they’re ensuring that future generations will be able to continue to enjoy this inspiring public amenity.”
Well done to all of the team from Visit Fylde Coast.
Vintage Tram renamed ‘Reginald Dixon’ after Blackpool Tower Organist
Published August 2021
A historic Blackpool Tram has been named after Reginald Dixon. He was best known for his time spent as organist at the Blackpool Tower, holding the position in the famous Ballroom for 40 years.
Reg, as he was commonly known, was a household name during his years at the Blackpool Tower. Live broadcasts of his performances were aired each week during the summer season for many years on the BBC Light Programme, now Radio 2.
The renaming took place at 2pm on Friday 6th August 2021. Reginald Dixon’s daughter, Jill Steel performed the honours, along with other members of the family. After the ceremony close to North Pier, an inaugural tram journey celebrated the occasion.
Blackpool is set to welcome a record number of visitors over the summer months. The Blackpool Heritage Tram team are acknowledging Reginald Dixon for his contribution to the promotion of Blackpool in times gone by. Reginald Dixons signature tune was ‘Oh I Do Like to be Beside the Seaside’ now synonymous with Blackpool and its rich entertainment history.
Reginald played the mighty Wurlitzer – which was built to his specification – for 40 years. He’s an icon of the famous ballroom to this day. He was much loved and admired for his talent and unique style of play. It’s a very fitting tribute in memory of this wonderful man.
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