Saturday’s ‘Christmas Light Tractor Run’ exceeded fundraising expectations, as over £3,000 was raised.
Local farmers decorated their tractors in Christmas Lights and journeyed from Oakley to Overton to raise funds for the Farmers Community Network (FCN), a voluntary charity that supports farmers and their families.
Co-organiser Steve Richardson says, “I am totally overwhelmed at the support we got for our first ever tractor run, both from the 46 participants and the huge crowds that gathered in both Oakley and Overton.
“There were even people on the back lanes in gateways having family picnics as we came past. I can’t thank everyone enough for their generosity.”
It was hoped between £1,000 and £2,000 would be raised. Steve adds, “The total raised for The FCN is £3,400, an awesome figure, thank you all so much”.
The journey went from Polhampton Farm through Deane, Oakley and Ashe, concluding at the Overton Christmas Festival. As tractors went through its journey, organisers say crowds were up to ten deep in places.
FCN helps over 10,000 people a year in the UK’s farming community and runs a telephone helpline for farm workers and their families.
Following the efforts of the weekend’s event, The Red Lion pub on the High Street in Overton has nominated the Farmer’s Community Network as their charity for 2026.
Pub landlord David Harber added, “The work of our farmers, not only in their gruelling day job, but in their efforts at the weekend and the expert help provided by FCN need to be fully recognised and rewarded, particularly at this very difficult time for our farming community”.
