Banbury Christmas Tractor Run – Saturday, 14th December 2024
The much-loved Christmas Tractor Run will once again roll out from Spring Hill Farm on Saturday, December 14, 2024, bringing festive cheer and raising funds for Katharine House Hospice. Over the past nine years, this incredible event has raised more than £145,000, with last year’s run alone bringing in over £46,000! This year, the Tractor Run has gained even more attention, having been featured on Clarkson’s Farm.
How the Tradition Began
The Banbury Christmas Tractor Run (then called the RC Baker Christmas Tractor Run) started around a kitchen table in 2016 when the youngest family member, Jennie, pitched the idea. With support from family, employees, and local farmers, the Bakers decorated their tractors with tinsel and lights to drive through the nearby villages. That first year saw 26 tractors raising £2,000. Since then, the event has grown to an annual tradition, with over 100 tractors participating in recent years!
Highlights Over the Years
- 2016: 26 tractors, £2,000 raisedkhh.org.uk
- 2017: 53 tractors
- 2018: 79 tractors
- 2019: Over 100 tractors, £10,000 raised
- 2020: Despite COVID-19, over £24,000 raised
- 2022: Banbury route extension, £29,000 raised
- 2023: Record-breaking £46,000 raised
2024 Plans
This year marks the 9th Annual Tractor Run, with the convoy starting and ending as usual at Spring Hill Farm. The route will take tractors through local villages and into Banbury, passing by Katharine House Hospice to honour the cause.
Departure Time: 5:00 pm from Spring Hill Farm, Barford St Michael. Important Note: Access to the farm for the convoy departure is restricted to participants only to help manage the sign-in process for in the region of 100 tractors! We kindly ask that you don’t come to the farm for the convoy departure to avoid congestion.
Join Us for the Return! We warmly invite you to join us at the farm to welcome the tractors back and enjoy refreshments at the after-party.
Route Highlights: South Newington, Milcombe, Bloxham, Banbury Cross, Adderbury, Aynho, Clifton, Deddington, and Hempton
Return: Approx. 8:30 pm at Spring Hill Farm
Approximate Timings:
- 5:00 pm – Depart from Spring Hill Farm
- 5:10 pm – South Newington
- 5:45 pm – Bloxham
- 6:15 pm – Banbury Cross
- 7:00 pm – Adderbury
- 8:00 pm – Deddington
- 8:30 pm – Return to Spring Hill Farm
For a detailed map and more info, visit our dedicated Tractor Run page.
Ways to Donate
Local families facing Christmas without their loved ones need compassionate care and support. By donating to Katharine House Hospice, you can help them make the most of their time together.
- Via JustGiving: Support the cause directly through our JustGiving page.
- Text to Donate: Simply text TRACTORLIGHTS followed by a space and the donation amount to 70085. For example:
- Text TRACTORLIGHTS 1 to donate £1
- Text TRACTORLIGHTS 5 to donate £5
- Text TRACTORLIGHTS 10 to donate £10
- Text TRACTORLIGHTS 20 to donate £20
Note: Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.
Join the Fun
- Tractor Ticket Bookings: Open on 1st December on the Katharine House Hospice website
- Sponsored Tractors: Tractor drivers can secure a guaranteed spot by becoming a sponsor! Bookings must be made between 1st and 21st November 2024. For enquiries, email mail@rcbaker.co.uk
Please note: Only registered tractors may participate, and they must arrive at Spring Hill Farm between 4:15 - 4:40 pm for a prompt departure. For everyone’s safety and ease, we kindly ask that unregistered tractors or spectators do not come to the farm before departure.
Get ready for another magical night of festive lights and Christmas spirit in support of Katharine House Hospice!
 |
 |
 |