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Amazing Tractor Run was Banbury’s biggest event of 2024
16/12/2024
It looks set to be a record breaker financially as well – and its not too late to donate
The number of people lining the streets for the ninth annual RC Baker Christmas Tractor Run on Saturday is believed to have surpassed all previous records – and its anticipated the money raised will have done the same.
What was easily the area’s biggest event of 2025 saw many thousands of people watch as 100 festively decorated tractors made their way on a 20 mile circular tour from Spring Hill Farm in Barford-St-Michael, around the villages on the southern side of town, and into Banbury around the Cross.
A large number of people drove to Banbury to sample the spectacle, with one lady telling Banbury FM “it’s the best thing I’ve ever seen” as her family headed back to the hotel they had booked for the night.
Jennie Steenkamp dreamed up the Tractor Run and organises the event with the Katharine House Hospice team.
“It was absolutely unbelievable”, said Jennie, who apologised to those villages where the event had run late. “Our lateness was really due to the fact that there were just so many people out welcoming us, waving and cheering. I can’t believe how big the crowds have become.
“We’ve got sore arms and hands from all the waving that we’ve done – there were so many wonderful people out there. Lucy and I in the lead tractor have said that we really need to go into training! It’s just lovely to wave to everybody, waving at us, their lovely smiling faces.”
Many of the villages organised celebrations around the arrival of the Tractors whilst there were few spaces left to view on the routes into and out of Banbury.
Those from the farming community involved in the Tractor Run thoroughly enjoyed the experience. “Everyone was just full of joy and laughter”, said Jennie on the atmosphere at the end of the route. “It was lovely – all the music was playing and everyone had a look at their wonderful creations.
“The lengths that everyone goes to decorating their tractors is incredible. I can’t believe how much better they get every year… They’re going to extraordinary lengths to wow everyone every year.”
Staff at the Katharine House Hospice now have the task of counting all the donations.
Roseann Thomspon Community Engagement Manager said: “Oh wow, what a night The Tractor Run was! More people than ever before came out to watch the fleet of fairy-lit tractors and the energy was something else!
“It’s such an incredible event and we are so grateful to everyone involved. We’re on track to beat last year’s fundraising total but would love to raise as much as possible so please do donate if you can!”
Its not too late to donate if you haven’t done so yet. Donations can be made here.
To vote for your favourite tractor is open on the official Banbury Christmas Tractor Run Facebook page.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam