Experience Fleetwood’s Magic: Heritage Trams Light Up the Lantern Parade

Published on December 5, 2025

Fleetwood, a coastal town in Lancashire, saw the return of its beloved heritage tram during the November Lantern Parade and Christmas lights switch-on event. This year, the Illuminated Frigate 736 was expected to be a key highlight, marking the first heritage tram of the season in Fleetwood. However, despite its inclusion in the event, things didn’t go according to plan, leading to a few unexpected challenges during the festive celebrations.

The Illuminated Frigate 736, a historic tram known for its eye-catching design and glowing lights, was set to run as a centrepiece of the parade. The tram’s participation was eagerly anticipated by both locals and visitors attending the event. However, technical difficulties meant that it was not able to fulfill the full role that had been initially envisioned. Instead, Balloon 717 was used for the Illumination Tour, taking over the duty of showcasing the vintage trams as they lit up the streets of Fleetwood.

While the Frigate 736 tram did take part in the event, the technical issues surrounding its operation served as a reminder of the challenges involved in operating heritage vehicles. Despite the disruption, the lantern parade itself went ahead, with locals and tourists enjoying the impressive light displays, performances, and festive atmosphere.

The Fleetwood Lantern Parade: A Highlight for Local Tourism

The Fleetwood Lantern Parade is one of the key events of the holiday season in the town, attracting both local residents and tourists. The event celebrates the start of the Christmas season, bringing together families and visitors from the surrounding areas to enjoy the festive atmosphere. The parade features a stunning array of lanterns, colorful lights, and entertainment, culminating in the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights.

For tourism, the Fleetwood Lantern Parade has become a key attraction, drawing people to the town to experience its unique blend of coastal charm and festive cheer. The addition of the heritage tram as part of the event helps to create a sense of nostalgia and tradition, enhancing the experience for visitors. The illuminated trams, part of Fleetwood’s historical transport network, add a unique touch to the celebrations, offering tourists a chance to see these iconic vehicles in action.

Heritage Trams: A Link to Fleetwood’s Past

The heritage trams in Fleetwood are a significant part of the town’s cultural history and are deeply woven into its identity. The Fleetwood tramway, which dates back to 1885, has long been a symbol of the town, providing both a nostalgic and practical means of transport for locals and visitors alike. The trams, which are now part of a heritage fleet, serve as a living reminder of Fleetwood’s past, offering tourists the opportunity to step back in time and experience a piece of the town’s industrial and transport history.

The use of these heritage trams for events like the Lantern Parade showcases the town’s commitment to preserving its unique history while offering a modern experience for tourists. The illuminated trams, which are outfitted with colorful lights and special decorations for the holiday season, provide a festive and family-friendly way for visitors to explore the area.

Challenges in Operating Heritage Vehicles

Operating heritage trams like the Illuminated Frigate 736 does not come without its challenges. These historic vehicles, while cherished for their historical significance, are often subject to technical issues that can affect their ability to operate smoothly. In the case of the Fleetwood Lantern Parade, technical difficulties led to the Frigate 736 not being able to fulfill its expected role. While this disruption was unfortunate, it highlights the complexities of running vintage transportation in a modern tourism context.

Despite this setback, the use of Balloon 717 for the Illumination Tour allowed the event to continue with a historic tram taking part. The flexibility of the event organizers and the quick switch to an alternative tram ensured that visitors were still able to enjoy the illuminated tour as planned.

Impact on Tourism and Visitor Experience

For tourists visiting Fleetwood, the Lantern Parade is an important highlight of their trip, offering a unique opportunity to experience the charm of the town during the festive season. While the technical issues with the heritage tram may have caused some disappointment, the event itself remained a success, and visitors were still able to enjoy the festive atmosphere and activities.

The parade, along with other holiday attractions in Fleetwood, continues to be a key driver for local tourism. The presence of the heritage trams adds an extra layer of interest for visitors, many of whom come specifically to see the vintage vehicles in action during events like the Christmas lights switch-on.

Looking Ahead: Future Events and Opportunities for Fleetwood

Despite the technical challenges faced during the recent Lantern Parade, the event’s success shows the ongoing appeal of Fleetwood as a tourism destination. The heritage trams remain an important asset for the town, providing a connection to its history while adding a unique and nostalgic element to local events. The town’s tourism team will likely continue to explore ways to incorporate these trams into future events and ensure that visitors can enjoy their full potential.

Looking ahead, Fleetwood is expected to continue attracting visitors for its seasonal events, particularly as the town’s tourism offerings expand. By building on its rich history and unique heritage, Fleetwood can continue to offer visitors a memorable and distinctive experience, further cementing its position as a must-visit destination in Lancashire during the holiday season.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges faced during the Fleetwood Lantern Parade, the inclusion of heritage trams like the Illuminated Frigate 736 in future events remains an important feature of the town’s tourism offerings. With its rich history, charming coastal atmosphere, and growing tourism initiatives, Fleetwood continues to draw visitors from across the region. The Lantern Parade, along with the town’s dedication to preserving its heritage, remains a highlight for both locals and tourists, showcasing the best of Fleetwood’s past and present.