Tractor Run promises to be the biggest yet

As of yesterday about 50 tractors had registered, but organiser Ben Le Page said he expected more to take part.

‘We had 82 or 83 last year,’ he said.

‘A lot of people will turn up on the day and we try to get them to register so just Civil Protection know how many vehicles are going to be on the roads.’

In past years people have been invited to go and view the tractors from 5.30pm onwards, but this year the viewing time has moved to 5pm.

‘We’ve got a food van and there’ll be hot chocolate and coffee,’ said Mr Le Page.

‘And also a band will be playing up there for us.

‘They contacted us and they’re going to play some old Wurzels’ music and Christmas songs.

‘We’re trying to make the event bigger.’

As well as the Fire & Rescue Service, Guernsey Airport is taking part in the run for the first time with its own decorated tractor.

Guernsey Mind is the charity due to benefit from this year’s event and it will also be joining in. Representatives will be judging the best-decorated tractor before the start of the run.

Tractors will set off from Beaucamps High School at about 6.15pm, heading towards Vistas at Vazon and from there north along the west coast, past the Vale Church and Vale Castle.

It is expected to reach Town at about 7.25pm before heading through St Martin’s, past the airport and back to Vistas by about 8.20pm.

Mr Le Page was yesterday power-washing his own tractor ready to take part.

‘I’ve got a new tractor this year, so it’s going to be a slightly different design from previous years,’ he said.

He was grateful to Civil Protection and Guernsey Police for their help, and to the caretakers at Beaucamps.

‘They help us out so much, it’s unbelievable,’ he said.

n Tractors can arrive at the school any time after 4.40pm, but must be there before the briefing at 6pm. For more information go to the Guernsey Christmas Tractor Run Facebook page.