Pictures as tractors are lit up for Welshpool, Powys event

On Sunday, December 11, more than 200 tractors and other farm vehicles took part in the Welshpool Illuminated Christmas Tractor Run, to raise money for the Addington Fund.

The 2022 event follows a successful inaugural year for the Tractor Run, with almost twice as many entrants as last year.

Jenny Clarke, one of the organisers from Powys Annual Charity Events, said: “We’re really pleased with how many have come out.

Tractors gathered at the starting point in Welshpool Livestock Market. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.

Graham Carter in his David Brown 995 from 1976. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.

“It’s incredible and shows why events like this are needed. It’s a great local turnout, but at the same time we’ve seen entrants from as far as North Yorkshire and the Midlands, so we couldn’t be more proud of how far reaching this has been.

“We’d like to thanks Addington Fund, who have been supportive from day one and we are thrilled to get their name out in any way we can.

“We feel very lucky. Everything has gone even smoother than last year which means we can appreciate the magnificent effort people have put into decorating the tractors.”

The tractors gathered at Welshpool Livestock Market at 2pm, giving members of the public a chance to see the festively adorned machines up close and for the judges to pick a winner for the best decorated competition.

Illuminated tractors making their way through Welshpool high street. Pictures by Phil Blagg Photography.

The winner of the best decorated tractor, Wilma Dillow from Minsterley with Peter Hemming and Jamne Miller from Iced Bear Tractor Pulling Team. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.

The prize for best decorated tractor ultimately went to Wilma Dillow from Minsterley.

At 5pm the tractors set off on their 30 mile route around Welshpool, Buttington, Trewern, Llandrinio, Four Crosses, Ardleen and Guilsfield before arriving at the finish line back at the Livestock Market.

One of those drivers, Graham Carter from Meifod Valley Alpacas, was driving a David Brown 995 from 1976, one of the oldest vehicles there.

Welshpool was the first stop for the tractors on the 30-mile run. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.

The tractors made their way round multiple towns and villages around Welshpool. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.

Welshpool was the first stop for the tractors on the 30-mile run. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.

He said: “There’s a great atmosphere here, and it’s great to be here with an older tractor that’s a part of agricultural history and used on local land all its life, plus it’s still being used on the land today.

“Events like this are so important not just for the fundraising and important cause, but it’s such a brilliant way to bring the community together and spread a bit of Christmas cheer.

“This is only the second year of running it but it already feels like its own tradition of sorts.”

The total amount of money raised from the event is still being tallied.

As well as thanking the Addington Fund, Jenny Clarke added: “We want to thank our generous sponsors, whom whithout, we wouldn’t be able to hold the event like we are; Robert Davies Machinery, Rea Valley Tractors, Pontesbury Tractors, Derwas in Welshpool, TR Machinery, RVW Pugh, FRS and Transportation, Welshpool Printing Group, Hughes Caterers, PACE and Welshpool Livestock Market.”