Christmas Tractor Runs in Worcestershire
There's something gloriously daft about a 10-tonne tractor wearing a Santa hat. Add a few thousand fairy lights, a blast of Christmas music and a pavement full of children waving like their lives depend on it, and you've got one of the best free nights out of the festive season.
Christmas tractor runs are a fairly new tradition in Worcestershire, but they're catching on fast. Farmers, young farmers' clubs and tractor clubs spend weeks decorating their machines, then drive them in a glowing convoy through villages and towns, collecting for local charities as they go. Watching costs nothing, it gets the whole community out in their wellies, and it's a lovely way to feel properly Christmassy.
Before you go
Wrap up warm. You'll be standing still in the cold. Hats, gloves and a flask of something hot.
Check on the day. Routes and timings are often confirmed late, and weather can cause delays. Organisers post updates on Facebook.
Times are a guide. Convoys nearly always run a bit behind.
Pick a spot and stay put. The tractors don't usually stop. Village pavements are calmer for little ones; town centres get the biggest crowds.
Bring cash or your phone. Most runs collect donations along the route.
Stand well back. These are very big machines, however sparkly.
Christmas tractor runs in Worcestershire, in date order
Bromsgrove Christmas Tractor Run
When and where: Sunday 13 December, leaving The Shaws, Stoke Prior (B60 4DU), at 1pm.
What to expect: A daytime run, so it's a good one if your little ones won't last until dark. The tractors loop through Bromsgrove, then head to the Swan at Wychbold, into Droitwich, down the Salt Way to the Vernon at Hanbury, and finish at the Boat and Railway at Stoke Works, where there's food and a live band for the drivers. Buckets (with QR codes) will be out for the Air Ambulance and Primrose Hospice, and the best dressed tractor wins a Christmas present.
More info: Bromsgrove Christmas Tractor Run on Worcester Rocks
Birmingham Christmas Tractor Run (starting near Bromsgrove)
When and where: Friday 18 December. Tractors meet at 5pm near Bromsgrove (B61 0HT) and set off at 6pm.
What to expect: Don't let the name fool you: this one starts on the Worcestershire side of the city. It's raising money for Birmingham Children's Hospital, with bucket collections along the way and a prize for the best dressed vehicle. Route to be confirmed.
More info: Birmingham Christmas Tractor Run on Worcester Rocks
Suckley Tractor Club Christmas Tractor Run
When and where: Saturday 19 December, starting and finishing in Suckley (WR6 5DJ). Times to be confirmed.
What to expect: A lovely village run along the Malvern side of the county, through Suckley, Alfrick, Leigh Sinton, Malvern, Mathon and Cradley. Money raised goes to Suckley School.
More info: Suckley Christmas Tractor Run on Worcester Rocks
Crowle YFC Christmas Charity Tractor Run
When and where: Sunday 20 December, around Crowle, just east of Worcester. Times and route to be confirmed.
What to expect: Crowle Young Farmers are lighting up the lanes the Sunday before Christmas, raising money for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and club funds. Pop the date in the diary now.
More info: Crowle YFC Christmas Tractor Run on Worcester Rocks
Far Forest Boxing Day Charity Tractor Run
When and where: Saturday 26 December, from Far Forest Showground, Tenbury Road, Callow Hill. Start time to be confirmed.
What to expect: The perfect excuse to get out of the house after all that turkey. Last year more than 130 tractors made the trip from Far Forest to Stourport and Bewdley town centre, and it's a daytime run, so it's ideal for little ones who'd never last until dark.
More info: Far Forest Boxing Day Tractor Run on Worcester Rocks
Just over the border
Trumpet Agricultural Society Christmas Tractor Run, Bromyard
When and where: Saturday 12 December, starting from Moor Court Farm, Upper Eggleton (HR8 2TP). Registration from 2.30pm, leaving at 4.15pm and heading into Bromyard.
What to expect: A short hop from Worcester, and a cracking one to catch in Bromyard town centre. It's raising money for local charities.
Leominster Charity Vehicle & Tractor Run
When and where: Saturday 12 December, leaving Broad Street car park, Leominster, around 6pm.
What to expect: Lit-up tractors and vehicles touring the town, raising money for We Are Farming Minds and Westfield Walk School.
Know of a tractor run we've missed? Let us know and we'll add it to the list.
