Date announced for annual ‘Light It Up!’ Weald Christmas tractor parade
A popular festive tractor parade, which has become a “true community event”, is back for a third year running.
The “Light It Up!” charity event will be making its way through several villages across the Weald.
Dozens of farmers will take to the streets to entertain and delight families.
Each tractor is set to be decorated with bright lights, tinsel and Christmas-themed inflatables.
It is organised by the Weald of Kent Young Farmers Club (YFC) and aims to raise money for the air ambulance.
Claire Eckley, local arable farmer and club leader of the Weald of Kent YFC, said: “We are delighted to bring our Light It Up tractor parade to our four villages once again and perhaps a little nervous about the potential crowds!
“We’re raising money for the Air Ambulance Kent, Surrey and Sussex, and our Young Farmers Club. Donate into our buckets in the villages or through our JustGiving page.
“Our advice is to get there early, park nicely and wave madly! This has become a true community event.
“Not only do pubs and cafes join in the fun but this year we also have churches getting out their tea urns, some lovely support from community groups with the bucket collections and live tractor tracking from Paddock Wood Lions.
“The club received national recognition for community spirit in the National Young Farmers Awards.
“We are very proud to organise an event that everyone can enjoy, no matter their circumstances. Even parking is free.”
On Wednesday, (December 11), hundreds of farmers made their way to protest in Westminster with their tractors.
They drove them around the streets near Parliament as rural communities continue to express anger over changes to inheritance tax.
“Farmers are having a torrid time at the moment,” Claire added. “Our parade gives everyone a lovely boost that lasts for weeks.
“Our tractor drivers love all the waving, cheering and clapping.
“With Christmas around the corner, everyone can back British farming by filling their baskets with some really fab British food and drink over the festive season!”
The parade will take place on Sunday, December 22 and organisers expect it to go ahead no matter what the weather – including rain or snow.
The route takes around two hours to complete, with the convoy expected to go via Goudhurst at 5pm, Cranbrook at 5.30pm, Staplehurst at 6pm and Marden at 6.30pm.
When passing through the villages, the tractors will go slower and should take approximately eight to 10 minutes.
On the night, people in special hi-vis will be collecting cash for the air ambulance and YFC.
Click here to donate to their JustGiving page.
Two additional festive tractor events are being held on the same night.
Canterbury YFC will be travelling around Manston Airport and the Hoo Peninsula Tractor Run is planning to make its way to Rochester High Street.
The Smarden Christmas parade, near Ashford, is raising money for the UK farming charity, Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).
This is taking place on Monday, December 23 and will pass through a number of villages.
The Weald of Kent Young Farmers Club asks drivers arriving for the event not to park along the route, which could hinder the tractors and residents.
To find out more information and to read the FAQs, click here.
They would also like to thank Osmonds Transport and Planing, Lower Ladysden Farm Shop, Kingcott Dairy, M&A Brown and Sons, Tow Truck Trader and Danny Beshaw Tyre Services for their help.
