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Farmers delight public with Christmas charity tractor runs

Philip Case 20 December 2021
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© Matthew Hicks© Matthew Hicks

Farmers brought festive cheer to the public by hosting a number of colourful Covid-safe tractor parades over the weekend.

Across the UK, farmers festooned their tractors in Christmas lights and decorations to take part in the processions – and raise many thousands of pounds for charities.

Clarkson’s Farm star Kaleb Cooper was on hand for the sixth annual Banbury Christmas tractor run on Saturday (18 December), in north Oxfordshire.

See also: Video: Boots and Heels Christmas special 2021

Mr Cooper glammed up Jeremy’s Clarkson’s Lamborghini tractor and took his place at the back of the 100-strong convoy.

The fleet of tractors took a tour of villages around Banbury to generate funds for the Katharine House hospice. Farmers have now managed to raise £55,000 for the hospice in total.

Organiser Jennie Steenkamp told Farmers Weekly that this year’s event had raised about £13,000 so far.

“We had some absolutely amazing tractors this time,” she said. “We do a best dressed tractor competition, and this has really upped the ante. They really went to town.

“There were an awful lot of people who came out in the villages and in between to show their support. The police said about 10,000 people were watching.

“People were also able to watch the tractor parade from the safety of their own cars.”

To donate money to the Katharine House hospice, visit the JustGiving page or text TRACTORLIGHTS 5 to 70085 to donate £5.

Liverpool run

In Merseyside, more than 100 tractors took to the streets of Liverpool’s city centre and surrounding area on Saturday to bring festive cheer and raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Tractors decorated with lights

© Olly Harrison

The event also supported Fans Supporting Food Banks – a joint initiative between Everton and Liverpool football clubs – and the convoy dropped off donations at Stanley Park along the way.

Local farmer and event founder Olly Harrison said he was inspired by a similar event that took place on the Isle of Man.

Last year, more than 80 tractors took part in the procession and raised more than £43,000 for Alder Hey – much more than the £5,000 target.

Mr Harrison said: “This year’s event has raised more than £45,000 so far – and we want to try and raise £100,000.

“The tractor parade drove past Alder Hey Hospital and it was streamed live to spread some joy to the children inside who will be in there this Christmas.

“The food banks are all about the synergy between farmers and food producers and those who cannot afford food. Some of these families won’t be able to afford to buy presents for their children this Christmas.”

Mr Harrison also thanked Merseyside Police for helping to ensure the event ran safe and smoothly, Claas tractors for donating one for their flagship models for the parade and others volunteers who made it possible.

He plans to make next year’s event bigger and better with more tractors.

Tractor decorated with lights

© Olly Harrison

To donate funds, visit Olly’s JustGiving page or text TRACTOR to 70450 to donate £5.

Louth run

Louth’s Christmas tractor run started and finished at Louth Livestock Market on Sunday evening (19 December).

In total, 102 tractors took part in the two-hour parade, which took in 7.2 miles around the market town.

Lincolnshire farmer and event organiser Taron Lee said £4,500 had so far been raised for the Farm Safety Foundation – Yellow Wellies’ Mind Your Head mental health awareness campaign.

“A survey in 2018 by the charity found four out of five young farmers said mental health was an issue. It’s about giving something back to the farming community.”

Tractors paid £20 each to take part and many pubs and restaurants in Louth donated prizes for a raffle.

EJ Building Supplies donated a chainsaw to the raffle, which was won by of GCS Farming Machinery, who then donated it back into the auction to raise an additional £340.

Funds can still be donated to the Louth event through PayPal to leeann29@tiscali.co.uk.

Other events

In Cambridgeshire, 66 tractors took part in the part in the second annual Fenland Farmers’ Group Festive Tractor run on Sunday afternoon.

Event organisers hope the event will raise more than £2,000 for two good causes – the Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in London and a gift collection for the children, who will be spending Christmas on the Holly Ward at Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon.

Meanwhile, almost 40 farm vehicles drove around Guernsey on Saturday night for the island’s first annual Festive Tractor Parade.

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