The event has captured the imagination of islanders since its first run, and bedazzled tractors will depart from Les Beaucamps High School at 6.15pm, taking more than 85 drivers – and their festively adorned farming machinery – on an excursion around the island, bringing a touch of rural Christmas charm to those en route.
‘It’s just magical,’ said tractor run organiser and leader Ben Le Page.
‘It’s always fantastic to see so many people coming out of their houses to see us go by.’
Lydia Pang is going to participate in the festive agricultural convoy for the second time this year, along with her 18-month-old daughter – the run’s youngest participant.
‘We do it because my daughter’s dad, Harry, works at AV Agriculture – tractors are a big part of his life,’ she said.
‘We took our daughter last year when she was six months old.
‘You can legally drive a tractor at 16, so we want to take her every year until she turns 16 and she can drive the tractor herself.’
In addition to it being a Christmas family tradition, the tractor run is also a charitable event and this year is raising money for local charity Ernie’s Angels, which helps families fund palliative and funeral expenses for their children. It was founded in 2017 by a recently bereaved family, following the passing of their son.
‘We always like to focus on children’s charities,’ said Mr Le Page. ‘And Ernie’s family are actually taking part in the run.’
Tractor times
The tractors will be on display at Les Beaucamps School from 5.15pm. The cavalcade will then set off at 6.15pm, heading towards Vistas at Vazon. It will head north along the coast, and is expected to arrive at Vale Church at 6.50pm and the Bridge just after 7pm. It should pass through Town at about 7.35pm, heading through St Martin’s at 7.45pm. It is expected at the airport at 8pm. It will then pass La Houguette School to head back to the coast and should finish at Vistas at about 8.30pm. All timings are approximate.
