One of the UK’s largest and longest-running festive tractor runs is rolling back into Oxfordshire this weekend — and this year, organisers hope to raise an extraordinary £100,000 for charity as the event celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Known affectionately by fans as taking place in “Clarkson Country,” thanks to the region’s association with Clarkson’s Farm and its star Jeremy Clarkson, the Banbury Tractor Run has become a beloved seasonal spectacle. Each December, thousands of spectators line the roads of rural Oxfordshire to watch a convoy of illuminated tractors snake through towns and villages in support of Katharine House Hospice.

And before a single engine has rumbled to life, the effort is already off to a flying start: all 100 tractors have been sponsored by local businesses, bringing in a remarkable £38,900 ahead of the December 13 launch.

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A Decade of Community Spirit and Charity

The Banbury Tractor Run has grown from a small, community-driven idea into a major regional attraction over the past decade. Since its inception, the event has raised an impressive £226,000 for Katharine House Hospice — a vital organisation offering specialist palliative care and support to families across Oxfordshire.

Event co-founder Jennie Steenkamp, from RC Baker, said the continued support has been overwhelming:

“We are so thrilled to have the support of so many wonderful local businesses and fantastic tractor drivers. This event not only brings joy to the community and vital funds for Katharine House, but it also highlights the resilience of our farming community in tough times.”

While the fundraiser began as a simple festive celebration, it has evolved into a symbol of unity, charity, and rural pride — and year 10 looks set to be the biggest yet.

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Familiar Faces: Kaleb Cooper Joins the Festivities

Clarkson’s Farm fans have even more reason to follow the event this year. Kaleb Cooper, the breakout star of the Amazon Prime series, is a regular participant in the festive convoy. While he typically joins behind the wheel of a tractor, this year he is expected to support the event on foot as he has only just returned from touring Australia.

Cooper will be watching the illuminated procession with his young family — a detail that is sure to delight fans who know him for his energetic enthusiasm and love for farming life.

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2,000 Lights, a Giant Santa, and a 55-Inch Screen: Tractor Decorations Go Big

No festive tractor run is complete without dazzling decorations, and this year one of the standout entries comes from Cande Group, a company specialising in agricultural media production.

Director Ben Coates shared what the team has planned:

“Our tractor is being prepped this week, with the clean happening today and lighting added over the next few days. We will be fitting over 2,000 lights, a blow-up Santa and reindeer, and our centrepiece: a super-bright 55-inch video screen featuring festive surprises.”

The entire display will run off an onboard generator, and to mask the hum, they’ll play Christmas music through a PA system to keep spirits high.

The tractor itself is being generously provided by Richard Taylor of Grange Farm in Swalcliffe, who works closely with Cande Group throughout the year during on-farm filming.

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Plan Your Visit: Routes, Timings, and Festive Stops

For those eager to join the celebrations, full details — including a route map, estimated timings, parking advice, and recommendations for food and drink along the way — are available on the event’s official page.

With glowing tractors, community pride, celebrity appearances, and a mission to raise £100,000 for a deeply valued hospice, the Banbury Tractor Run is set to be one of the most uplifting holiday traditions in “Clarkson Country.”

And as it enters its 10th year, the event stands as a testament to the power of rural communities coming together — one tractor at a time.