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Anticipation building ahead of legendary RC Baker Christmas Tractor Run
13/12/2024
Since 2016 the Tractor Run has raised over £140,000 for the Katharine House Hospice
The ninth annual RC Baker Christmas Tractor Run returns tomorrow, bringing 100 festively decorated tractors to Banbury and the villages on the southern side of town.
The event has become a major fund raiser for the Katharine House Hospice in Adderbury and a huge attraction, with thousands of people lining the route each year.
The fairy lit convoy will set off from Spring Hill Farm in Barford St Michael at 5pm and then follow a 20-mile tour through South Newington, Milcombe and Bloxham, before heading into Banbury on the Bloxham Road. After looping around Banbury Cross the convoy with head out on the Oxford Road to Adderbury, Aynho, Clifton, Deddington and Hempton, before returning to the farm.
Since 2016 the Tractor Run has raised over £140,000 for the Katharine House Hospice. Collectors will be out at most locations along the route and donations can be made by text and using the dedicated Just Giving page.
Jennie Steenkamp organises the Tractor Run with the Katharine House team. She noted the support of local companies sponsoring tractors, which had already brought in £18,700 – breaking previous sponsorship records.
Jennie said: “We have 68 sponsored tractors booked in which is incredible. We’ve already raised a huge amount just through sponsorship. When the remaining tickets went on sale we sold out really, really quickly.
“So, it’s 100 tractors! We’re limited to 100 every year and that’s enough. It still takes 10 minutes to watch them all go past.”
Jennie is encouraging everyone who watches the convoy to donate whatever they can to Katharine House. She added: “If everybody could just donate even a pound. If every single person who’s there just donated a pound it would make a huge difference to the wonderful Katharine House, which this is all in aid of.”
Text donations can be made by sending “TRACTORLIGHTS” and the amount in whole pounds to 70085 (for example, to donate £10 send “TRACTORLIGHTS 10” to 70085).
Roseann Thompson, Community Engagement Manager at Katharine House Hospice, said: “I cannot believe how big The Banbury Christmas Tractor Run has become since it began in 2016! Planning for this event pretty much starts as the last one finishes, but it’s all made worthwhile by the excitement it causes across Banbury and the local villages it visits, as well as the absolutely staggering amount it raises!
“We know that it’s hard out there for a lot of people and businesses at the moment, but we are always so grateful to receive such generous donations and support from the community for this much-loved event.”
Full details of the route and timing can be found on our Events Guide.
Those heading to watch the Tractor Run are asked to not go to Spring Hill Farm to watch the departure, but everyone is welcome there to watch the tractors return at the end. Around the route please park safely and sensibly, keeping the roads clear. Spectators should dress warmly and prepare for possible delays, remaining on pavements and supervising children at all times. Ear defenders might be advisable for children sensitive to noise.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam