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Weald Christmas tractor parade to return to Goudhurst, Cranbrook, Staplehurst and Marden

10:23, 07 November 2023

updated: 13:43, 07 November 2023

A popular festive tractor parade is set to return this year.

The “Light It Up!” tractor run will be passing through a number of villages across the Weald.

The “Light It Up!” tractor run is returning for a second year. Picture: Weald of Kent Young Farmers
The “Light It Up!” tractor run is returning for a second year. Picture: Weald of Kent Young Farmers

The Weald of Kent Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) held the first event last year.

Onlookers were entertained by a convoy of around 30 tractors and a lorry, all adorned with colourful lights, tinsel and festive inflatable decorations.

This time the parade will kick off at around 5pm on Sunday, December 17 – with even more tractor drivers signing up to be involved.

The convoy will then make its way through four villages, using the same route previously.

This includes Goudhurst at 5pm, Cranbrook at 5.30pm, Staplehurst at 6pm and Marden at 6.30pm.

The festive parade will take place on Sunday, December 17. Picture: Weald of Kent Young Farmers
The festive parade will take place on Sunday, December 17. Picture: Weald of Kent Young Farmers
They will pass through Goudhurst, Cranbrook, Staplehurst and Marden. Picture: Weald of Kent Young Farmers
They will pass through Goudhurst, Cranbrook, Staplehurst and Marden. Picture: Weald of Kent Young Farmers

YFC plans to drive slower through the villages to allow the spectators to enjoy the colourful show.

Instead of passing in three minutes, it will now take eight minutes.

Outside the villages, the tractors will be moving more quickly at around 25mph.

Residents along the route are also encouraged to watch from their gardens and driveways.

It will finish at around 7pm and prizes will be given out to the best dressed tractors.

The route the convoy will take. Picture: Weald of Kent Young Farmers
The route the convoy will take. Picture: Weald of Kent Young Farmers

The club has confirmed the parade will go ahead despite any predicted bad weather.

“It can take days to dress a tractor, and some of them are needed back at work the following morning,” it says on its website.

“Farmers go out in all weathers and the tractor run went ahead in drizzle and slush in 2022!”

It also added that drivers parked along the main roads shouldn’t move their cars, as a team tests the route a number of times before the big day.

Last year, YFC raised more than £5,000 for the Kent, Surrey, Sussex Air Ambulance Charity and £1,700 in club funds.

Prizes will be given out to the best dressed tractors. Picture: Weald of Kent Young Farmers
Prizes will be given out to the best dressed tractors. Picture: Weald of Kent Young Farmers

This year you can donate again via its JustGiving page or in a collection bucket on the night.

Follow the club’s Facebook page for live updates on the night and more information in the run up to the event.

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