Manx Heritage Transport Festival
Tuesday 28th July – Sunday 2nd August 2026
A six day bumper transport festival, featuring many unforgettable events across the islands roads and railways. Not to be missed!
Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway 1876 – 2026
We will also celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Nationalisation of buses 1976 – 2026
Please note that the listings below cover events on the Manx Electric, Snaefell Mountain and Douglas Bay Horse Tramways only.
For a full list of events including the Isle of Man Steam Railway, Groudle Glen, Great Laxey Mine Railway and bus vannin / heritage bus services, please Click/Tap below to download the full events brochure.
QUICK LINKS TO DAYS
Day 1 – TUESDAY
Day 2 – WEDNESDAY
Day 3 – THURSDAY
Day 4 – FRIDAY
Day 5 – SATURDAY
Day 6 – SUNDAY
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Tuesday 28th July
Operating Timetables: Steam (R), MER (D), SMR (D), DBHT (P)
M.E.R. PARALLEL RUN & FOLLOWING BUS BETWEEN DERBY CASTLE AND GROUDLE
Commence our festival with the traditional Manx Electric Railway Parallel Run using cars No.16 and No.20.
Departs Derby Castle at 08:50. Following the parallel run both cars will remain in service throughout the day.
For this year only to mark the 50th Anniversary since the nationalisation of buses, a heritage bus will feature on our opening event, the 1949 Leyland Titan PD2 will join the parallel run for photographic opportunities with the trams. Please note that when the run arrives at Groudle Glen the bus will continue along the Groudle Road to Halfway House. It will then take the main road via Onchan Village, Summerhill,the Promenades and back to Douglas Railway Station.
Rail: Standard tram fares apply. Go Travel cards accepted.
Bus: Standard bus fares apply. Go Explore cards are not accepted, and concessionary travel will only apply to children aged 5 – 15. Ages 0 – 4 travel free with full fare paying adults. Go Silver card holders will receive half fares.
Go Saver bus cards may also be used.
MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY DIESEL MOTORMAN TASTER LESSONS
Try your hand at driving 1995 Car No.34 ‘Maria’ between Laxey and Lewaigue, passing along the cliff tops 588 feet above the sea at Bulgham Bay and through the scenic farmland of Maughold Parish.
Car 34 departs Laxey at 08:50, 10:50, 13:50 and 15:50.
Participants must be aged between 21 and 75. Proof of age may be required. Three participants per return trip. Access to No.34
can be challenging due to high steps.
£59. To book online visit www.rail.im or call the Welcome Centre 01624 662525
MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY BULKHEAD TRAILER DAY
A day to celebrate the M.E.R Bulkhead Trailers. The following car and trailer combinations will be in use during the day on the
timetabled service:
Car 7 / Trailer 19 (36)
Car 9 / Trailer 60
Car 16 / Trailer 37
Car 20 / Trailer 54
Car 32 / Trailer 50
Standard tram fares apply. Go Travel cards accepted
DOUGLAS BAY HORSE TRAMWAY TOASTRACKS
Today 1899 G.F Milnes Toastrack No.21 and 1905 G.C Milnes Voss Toastrack No.42 will be in service weather permitting. Car 21
and 42 will be hauled by one of our Shire or Clydesdale Horses. Trams depart Derby Castle at the advertised times on timetable P.
Standard tram fares apply. Go Travel cards accepted
MANX HERITAGE TRANSPORT FESTIVAL WELCOME EVENING AT STRATHALLAN CRESCENT
Join representatives from Isle of Man Railways and bus vannin as the 2026 Manx Heritage Transport Festival is commenced. The evening will feature a fine selection of Douglas Bay Horse Tramway rolling stock that will be on display in celebration of the tramways 150th Anniversary this year. bus vannin in conjunction with the Jurby Transport Museum will display a wonderful selection of original Douglas Corporation Transport buses and some newer ones with liveries inspired by the originals.
An ex-Douglas Corporation AEC Regent V will operate ad-hoc shuttles subject to demand between Strathallan Crescent
and along the promenades to the Sea Terminal at regular intervals.
One of the latest six additions to the bus vannin fleet a Streetdeck Ultroliner fleet No.315 will be on display at
Strathallan. Fleet No.315 is one of two new buses that have been painted in heritage fleet colours to mark the
anniversary year and features a Douglas Corporation Transport livery.
A line up of Douglas Corporation Transport liveried buses will be assembled during the evening for photograph opportunities with the assistance of Jurby Transport Museum.
The Manx Electric Railway will operate a ‘chip shop shuttle’ to Port Jack at regular intervals subject to demand using Car No.16.
M.E.R. Goods Van No.11 with Winter Saloon No.20 will be displayed in the Groudle Siding at Derby Castle Station for a 1970s inspired photography pairing.
The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway will operate an evening timetable giving you the unusual opportunity to ride on the tramway in the evening. Departures from Derby Castle at 18:45, 19:25, 20:05 & 20:45. Departures from Broadway at 19:05, 19:45, 20:25, & 21:05.
Throughout the evening a line-up of Douglas Bay Horse Tramway rolling stock will be displayed at the front of Strathallan for photographic opportunities.
Open from 18:00 until 21:30. Where possible please travel to the event using the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway services, vintage bus shuttles or timetabled bus services to reduce congestion around the Derby Castle area.
Rail: Standard tram fares apply. Go Travel cards accepted.
Bus shuttles: Standard bus fares apply. Go Explore cards are not accepted, and concessionary travel will only apply
to children aged 5 – 15. Ages 0 – 4 travel free with full fare paying adults. Go Silver card holders will receive half
fares. Go Saver bus cards may also be used.
Wednesday 29th July
Operating Timetables: Steam (S), MER (DE), SMR (D), DBHT (P)
M.E.R. PARALLEL RUN TO GROUDLE
Parallel run using Car No.32 and Car No.16 departs Derby Castle at 08:50.
Standard tram fares apply. Go travel cards accepted.
MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY LOST TRAILERS
A day to recall the Manx Electric Railways lost trailers.
The following trailers will be re-created during the day on the timetabled service:
Trailers 34, 35, 38, 39, 40, 41, 52 – all lost in the Laxey Car Shed fire in 1930 (with the exception of No.52, in use as a permanent way vehicle since 1951)
Standard tram fares apply. Go travel cards accepted.
DOUGLAS BAY HORSE TRAMWAY TOASTRACK SUNSHADES
Throughout the festival we will showcase our stunning collection of Victorian and Edwardian Tramcars daily being hauled by one of our Shire or Clydesdale Horses. Today two examples of our Sunshades will be in service throughout the day. 1908 G.C Milnes Voss Car 45 and 1896 G.F Milnes Car 36 will depart Derby Castle at the advertised times on Timetable P.
Standard tram fares apply. Go Travel cards accepted
STRATHALLAN CRESCENT GUIDED TOURS
Guided tours at Strathallan Crescent Tram Sheds at 10:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 14:00 with an opportunity to see behind the scenes inside the shed and Tramway Offices upstairs. A guide will be available to speak to if you have any questions about the trams or tramways infrastructure.
£9. To book online visit www.rail.im or call 01624 662525
M.E.R. EVENING – FOUR WINTER SALOONS TO RAMSEY
Featuring all four winter saloons; No.19, No.20, No.21 & No.22 on a special run to Ramsey Station. Once all four cars arrive at Ramsey Station they will be posed for photography. Parallel running on the journey back from Ramsey with photo stops.
Trams will depart Derby Castle Station at 16:45, 17:00, 17:15 & 17:30 and run to Ramsey Station.
All the trams will be on display in Ramsey Station by 19:00. At 20:00 the first pair will depart in parallel, followed by the second pair at 20:15. Parallel running will continue as far as Laxey where each tramcar will be individually sent back to Derby Castle. The first tram will arrive back into Derby Castle by 21:55. The final tram to depart Laxey Station will arrive at Derby Castle by 22:25.
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Standard tram fares apply. Go Travel cards accepted but will incur a £5 surcharge payable on the day.
DOUGLAS BAY HORSE TRAMWAY – EVENING SERVICE
In conjunction with the Groudle Glen Railway evening service and Manx Electric Railway evening service an opportunity to ride on the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway evening services between Strathallan and Broadway.
Departures from Derby Castle at 18:45, 19:25, 20:05 & 20:45. Departures from Broadway at 19:05, 19:45, 20:25, & 21:05.
Standard tram fares apply. Go Travel cards accepted
Thursday 30th July
Operating Timetables: Steam (S), MER (D), SMR (D), DBHT (P)
M.E.R. PARALLEL RUN TO GROUDLE
Parallel run using 1893 built Car No.1 and Car No.2.
Departs Derby Castle at 08:50. Following the parallel run both Cars will remain in service throughout the day.
Standard tram fares apply. Go travel cards accepted.
MER MOTORMAN TASTER LESSONS
Try your hand at driving Tunnel Car No.7. The taster session runs between Laxey and Lewaigue, passing along the cliff tops 588 feet above the sea at Bulgham Bay and through the scenic farmland of Maughold Parish.
Car No.7 departs Laxey at 08:50, 10:50, 13:50 and 15:50. Participants must be aged between 21 and 75. Proof of age may be required. Four participants per return trip.
£49. To book online visit www.rail.im or call the Welcome Centre 01624 662525
M.E.R DERBY CASTLE WORKSHOP AND YARD TOURS
An opportunity to visit the Derby Castle workshops with The Manx Electric Railway Volunteers. Each tour will include a brief history of the Derby Castle yard, a look at different types of trams, how they work and are maintained. Items of rolling stock not currently in use will be displayed in the Depot and M.E.R artefacts will be on display.
Tours limited to 15 persons per tour.
Tours start at 11:15, 12:15, 14:15 & 15:15 (Please meet at the Derby Castle sheds for your tour to start).
£12. To book online visit www.rail.im or call the Welcome Centre 01624 662525
MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY OPEN CROSSBENCH TRAILERS
1906 Crossbench trailers No.61 and No.62 will be in service with Winter Saloons No.20 and No.21. This year marks the 120th anniversary since the delivery of Trailers No.61 and No.62 in 1906.
Standard tram fares apply. Go travel cards accepted.
MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY EDWARDIAN TRAILERS
Edwardian trailers including No.42, No.57 and No.58 will be on timetabled services throughout the day.
Standard tram fares apply. Go travel cards accepted.
DOUGLAS BAY HORSE TRAMWAY WINTER SALOONS
Winter Saloons will be in service throughout the day. 1892 G.F Milnes Car 29 and 1892 G.F Milnes Car 27 will depart Derby Castle at the advertised times on timetable P.
Standard tram fares apply. Go Travel cards accepted.
Friday 31st July
Operating Timetables: Steam (SU), MER (D), SMR (D), DBHT (P)
M.E.R. PARALLEL RUN TO LAXEY
Parallel run using Car No.7 and Car No.14. Departs Derby Castle at 09:20.
Following the parallel run Car No.14 will return to Derby Castle from Laxey at 10:10.
Standard tram fares apply. Go travel cards accepted.
MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY – CAR 34 SHUTTLES
Laxey Station to Dhoon Quarry Shuttles using Car No.34 ‘Maria’ and Winter Trailer No.57.
Shuttles depart Laxey at 09:50, 10:50, 11:50, 13:50 & 14:50.
Each shuttle will include a photography stop around the spectacular Bulgham Bay.
£7 for a rover ticket which will cover you to travel on as many of the departures as you wish throughout the day.
To book online visit www.rail.im or call the Welcome Centre 01624 662525.
WICKHAM SHUTTLES
Wickham Railcar No.7442 was built in 1956 by Wickham of Ware. It was purchased second-hand from the Lochaber Narrow Gauge Railway in 1978. The railcar is normally exclusively reserved for Permanent Way duties; however, today it will operate passenger trips in conjunction with Laxey Car Shed Open Day with frequent departures from Laxey
Station to the Car Sheds throughout the day.
Please note that the Wickham has limited capacity and you may have to wait to catch your ride to Laxey Car Sheds.
£4 per person return. Pay on the day.
LAXEY CAR SHED OPEN DAY
The Manx Electric Railway Volunteers will be available to show you around Laxey Car Shed, located on Lower Rencell Hill, giving an opportunity to view items of stored rolling stock including Locomotive 23 and freight trailer 26, as well as current volunteer restoration projects. Open from 10:30 until 15:00.
Please use the tram service, Wickham shuttles or walk along the main road to access the shed; do not walk along the tram line.
£9. To book online visit www.rail.im or call 01624 662525
SNAEFELL MOUNTAIN RAILWAY SHED TOURS
Snaefell Sheds will be open for the day offering a special opportunity to see behind the scenes of the workshops.
Tours Start at 10:00, 11:00, 13:00 & 14:00. Please note there is no parking available at Snaefell Sheds. Please park on Mines Road if you are driving to the tours.
£9. To book online visit www.rail.im or call 01624 662525
DOUGLAS BAY HORSE TRAMWAY No.18
Today No.18 our Double Decker by MRC&W Co. Ltd dating to 1883 will be in service throughout the day. Recently refurbished the tram is looking splendid in its new colour scheme. Operating as one of the tramcars on timetable P.
Standard tram fares apply. Go Travel cards accepted
Saturday 1st August
Operating Timetables: Steam (S), MER (DG), SMR (D), DBHT (P)
DOUGLAS BAY HORSE TRAMWAY 150TH ANNIVERSARY CAVALCADE
A spectacular cavalcade of Douglas Bay Horse Tramway rolling stock along Douglas Promenade as far as Broadway.
Departs Derby Castle from 10:00. Normal services resume from 13:05 onwards or as soon after the bus cavalcade has
finished its procession.
Tickets TBA
DOUGLAS BAY HORSE TRAMWAY 150TH GUIDED WALK
A guided walk along Douglas Promenade to discuss the historical sites along the tramway. Further details to be
released in due course.
Tickets TBA
BUS CAVALCADE – CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
A spectacular cavalcade of Buses along Douglas Promenade at 12:30 from Derby Castle as far as The War Memorial
with a display of vehicles in Douglas following the cavalcade. Further details of this spectacular cavalcade will be released in due course once a location for the display is confirmed. Visiting buses are encouraged to join. Please contact Isle of Man Transport to discuss.
TICKETS TBA
MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY UEC 120
United Electric Car Company Cars No.32, No.33 and matching trailers No.61 and No.62 turn 120 this year. To mark the occasion
Car No.32 and Trailer No.62 will be in service together all day. As we enter the evening timetable No.32 will remain in service with a Winter Trailer. Trailer No.61 will be in service with another motor car. Car No.33 will be on display at Derby Castle Yard as part of the workshop tours.
Standard tram fares apply. Go travel cards accepted.
MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY LAXEY TO GROUDLE SHUTTLES
Shuttle runs between Laxey Station and Groudle Glen on 1898 Ratchet Car No.14.
Departing from Groudle Glen at 10:05, 11:05, 12:05, 13:05, 14:05, 15:05 & 16:05.
Returning from Laxey Station at 10:35, 11:35, 12:35, 13:35, 14:35, 15:35 & 16:35* (*to Douglas).
Standard tram fares apply. Go travel cards accepted.
M.E.R DERBY CASTLE WORKSHOP AND YARD TOURS
An opportunity to visit the Derby Castle workshops with The Manx Electric Railway Volunteers. Each tour will include a brief history of the Derby Castle yard, a look at different types of trams, how they work and are maintained. Items of rolling stock not currently in use will be displayed in the Depot and M.E.R artefacts will be on display.
Tours limited to 15 persons per tour.
Tours start at 13:15, 14:15 & 15:15 (Please meet at the Derby Castle sheds for your tour to start).
£12. To book online visit www.rail.im or call the Welcome Centre 01624 662525
WICKHAM DC STATION TO DC YARD SHUTTLES
Shuttles between Derby Castle Station and Derby Castle Yard using Wickham Railcar No.7442 built in 1956 by Wickham of Ware. It is normally exclusively reserved for Permanent Way duties; however, today it will operate passenger trips in conjunction with Derby Castle Yard Tours with frequent departures from Derby Castle Station to the Yard throughout the day.
Please note that theWickham has limited capacity and you may have to wait to catch your ride to Derby Castle Yard
.
£4 return per person. Pay on the day
MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY EVENING SERVICE WITH ENHANCEMENT
Enjoy a summer’s evening ride out on our evening service (Timetable G) with Open Cars and Bulkhead trailers in passenger service.
Trailers will be lit up for the evening. Open cars subject to fine weather.
An additional 20:10 service from Derby Castle to Ramsey will operate using Car No.14. The 22:10 service from Ramsey will include Car No.14 on a parallel run with the standard 22:10 service from Ramsey as far as Laxey.
Standard tram fares apply. Go travel cards accepted.
Sunday 2nd August
Operating Timetables: Steam (R), MER (D+), SMR (D), DBHT (P)
MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY INTENSIVE SERVICE
Enjoy the last day of the festival with our traditional intensive services on the M.E.R. Unusual combinations will be in service including No.34 pulling Trailer No.19.
Timetable details will be added to this page and social media closer to the time.
Standard tram fares apply. Go travel cards accepted.
GOODS VAN RAILWAYANA SALE
A Manx Electric Railway Goods van will be positioned in the Groudle siding at Derby Castle from 10:00 until 15:00 selling a selection of unusual railwayana including trolley wheels, old timetables and anything else interesting we may find!
Make sure to visit.
UPPER DOUGLAS CABLE TRAMWAY GUIDED WALK
A guided walk along the route of the former Upper Douglas Cable Tramway taking in the history of Douglas along the way. Meet at the Bottleneck Carpark, Loch Promenade for a 09:00 start. The walk will last approximately 90 minutes.
Please note this walk involves steep hills and is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility.
FREE event. To make your reservation book online visit www.rail.im
DOUGLAS BAY HORSE TRAMWAY STRATHALLAN TERMINUS TRAM DISPLAY
Today all the tramcars will be pushed out of the depot to display in the sidings at the front of The Terminus Tavern and Strathallan Sheds, weather conditions depending. A great opportunity to capture some unique photographs.
FREE for all to attend
Manx Electric Railway Online 