WATCH: 2023 Christmas Tractor run is biggest so far
A record number of tractors donned lights, tinsel and other festive decorations to tour the island on Saturday evening for the third Guernsey Christmas Tractor Run.
Hundreds of islanders caught a closer glimpse of the 85 vehicles at a pre-run display at Les Beaucamps High School, before the convoy set off at approximately 6.15pm.
Hundreds more people lined the round-island route, which saw the tractors go past sites including Vale Castle, the roundabout and the airport.
The convoy finished its journey at Vistas at Vazon just before 8.45pm.
The event has so far raised more than £1,700 for Autism Guernsey.
Organiser Ben Le Page said the event would be one of the highlights of the Christmas period for many.
‘I’m absolutely buzzing, it’s an amazing turnout, we had 67 confirmed tractors before this evening so I knew we would get lots more.
‘Just a big thank you to everyone who has made it what it is.’
Some of the sights and sounds of this year's Christmas Tractor Run
Bailey Gill said he had spent the entire day cleaning and decorating his tractor and trailer, which transported 10 of his family members around the route.
‘It took three of us the whole day, we had another tractor too, but didn’t get round to doing that one sadly.
‘We’ve taken part every year and the numbers seem bigger than ever this year.’
Marissa Lee said that her family had spent five hours preparing their tractor and trailer for the run.
‘We wanted to have Santa in a sleigh and put lights around it all to make it look like he was in the sky.
‘We did it for the first time last year and thought the trailer would it be a great addition to carry the kids around in this year.’
Greg and Jade Falla were visiting the display at Les Beaucamps with their sons Marshall, 2, and Asher, 8 months.
‘Having two boys, they love to see tractors, and with all the lights on as well it’s a great sensory experience for them,’ Mr Falla said.
Marshall added that his favourite tractor was a ‘big green one'.
Colin and Anna Jeffreys had brought their two-year-old son Peter along to admire the display.
‘We’ve come along the last two years. Peter loves the flashing lights and the people who are dressed up, it really puts everyone in the Christmas spirit,’ Mr Jeffreys said.
Nick Russell was taking part in the event for the first time with his company Nick Russell Turf and Landscaping, which brought seven tractors to Les Beaucamps.
In a novel move, one of the company’s vehicles had a smoke machine attached to the top of a fertiliser spreader as part of its decoration.
‘We thought it would be something a bit different, we fitted it on and it works really well.
‘Our seven tractors are different shapes and sizes because they’re used for different jobs, we’ve had loads of positive feedback and people seem to love it.’
