Seaton Tramway to go live in Facebook fundraising event

SEATON Tramway is hosting a week-long virtual events to raise funds while the attraction is closed.

The tram line between Seaton and Colyton is currently closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic. It will be launching a Tramathon Fundraising Appeal next month to help secure the future of the popular attraction and its industrial heritage.

From Monday, June 8 to Friday, June 12, Seaton Tramway will be going live on Facebook every day, taking you behind the scenes of the operation and its famous fleet of trams.

The highlight of the week is set to be a continuous 24-hour tram trip between the Seaton and Colyton stations on Thursday, June 11. This will all be streamed live online for the full 24 hours to raise funds for the registered charity.

A spokesperson for Seaton Tramway said: "The tramway will celebrate its 50th anniversary of operating at Seaton in August and, like other heritage railways, has seen an abrupt halt to its income that helps keep trams serviced, the track maintained and its future secure.

"As we moved into 2020 with excitement about new projects and offers for our loyal passengers, bills continue to need to be paid and projects still need completing. Railways and tramways like ours are supported by visitors and generous supporters that we love welcoming every year.

"To combat this crisis, we will come together in our living rooms to launch Tramathon live. This fundraising appeal will continue until we are able to reopen, and we will celebrate this with a week of live videos taking you behind the scenes of our wonderful tramway, introducing you to new projects that will be accessible on reopening, to live Driver's Eye experience and Q&As, seeing out the week with a 24-hour continuous tram ride. All to be enjoyed from the comfort and safety of your own home!

"With the generosity of donations, we want to give back too. Which is why we will be giving away prizes and experiences as we hit fundraising milestones, like Driver's Eye Experiences, half day and whole day tram driving lessons, free tickets and lifetime free travel."

Prizes will be up for grabs for all those who donate a minimum of £5 before June 12 and winner will be drawn in one of the live facebook events.

Along with its fundraising campaign, Seaton Tramway has also launched its new Hero Ticket scheme. These can be purchased online and redeemed as an All-Day Explorer ticket when the attraction reopens up until December 2021.

The tramway will also be offering free tickets for all NHS and care home staff with a valid ID when it reopens.

The spokesperson added: "Seaton Tramway has operated from Seaton for 50 years and has seen everything from Snow blizzards to storm washouts. We very much look forward to the day we can re-open to welcome back our passengers once again."

For more details on all events and tickets, visit the Seaton Tramway website