Isle of Man Railways are delighted to share the details of the 150th Anniversary Day celebrations that will be hosted on Friday 7th August 2026.
The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway first opened on the 7th August 1876 and was initially operated by Thomas Lightfoot. It was sold in 1882 to Isle of Man Tramways Ltd. The operation was taken over by Douglas Corporation in 1902 who operated the tramway until 2015. Subsequently the Isle of Man Government took over the operation in 2016 and continue to operate the tramway today.
Highlights of the day will include:
Join Us for the 150th Anniversary Birthday Celebrations
Strathallan Tram Depot – A Day of Family Fun and Celebration
Morning Activities
10:00 – 10:30
🐴 Meet and Greet Our Beautiful Trammers
10:30 – 11:30
🚋 Two Special Celebratory Cavalcades featuring Double-Decker Horse tram No.18, in which His Majesty King Charles III, Lord of Mann travelled on 14 July 2026 when unveiling the commemorative plaque marking the 150th anniversary.
🧁 150 Complimentary Birthday Cupcakes
The first passengers of the day will receive a special anniversary cupcake.
🎨 All Day – Amazing Colouring Competition for All Ages
Fantastic prizes to be won, including:
- £200 Island Escapes Voucher
- Steam Packet Voucher
- Robinson’s Voucher
- Sound Café Voucher
- Steam Railway Dining Car Experiences
- And many more!
Afternoon Family Fun
14:00 – 16:30
🎈 FREE Family Activities including:
- Face Painting
- Balloon Artist
- Colouring Competition
- Great prizes and giveaways
🐎 Stable Tours will be available throughout the afternoon.
Live Entertainment
14:00 – 14:30
🎵 Perree Bane
14:30 – 15:10
🎶 Manx Music with Elizabeth Davison Blythe and Daniel Quayle
15:10 – 15:20
🎂 Official 150th Birthday Cake Cutting Ceremony with the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway Team
❓ Meet the Stable Team
Have your questions ready for a special Q&A session.
15:20 – 15:50
🎈 Balloon Artist Performance
15:50 – 16:30
🎶 Manx Music with Elizabeth Davison Blythe and Daniel Quayle
Special Anniversary Offer
🍻 The Terminus Tavern is kindly offering 15% OFF all food and drink throughout the 150th Birthday celebration day when you bring your tram ticket into the pub that day.
Special Guests
🐴 Home of Rest for Old Horses will be joining us and sharing in the celebrations.
