Tractor run may happen annually

Sunday 19 December 2021

Santa and his elves joined farmers and tractor enthusiasts last night on Guernsey’s first Christmas tractor run.

More than two dozen tractors decorated in Christmas lights and tinsel were met by hundreds of cheering islanders as they honked their horns around the coast from Vazon and back again.

The event – believed to be the first of its kind – was organised quickly by a small team after being recently inspired by a tractor-loving child. 

Organisers now say they may turn it into an annual Christmas event. In years to come, it could be an island tradition. 

“It all started with a message from a parent of a young lad who loves tractors. I think he’s about six years old. He’s coming up to the workshop where he can sit on the tractor, but it was his interest which got us thinking about a tractor run,” said Matthew Spruce, one of the organisers.

Pictured: More than two dozen tractors gathered at Vazon for their run around the coast. They drew lots of support from people across the island who were enthusiastic for what could become a new Christmas tradition. Picture credit (above and top): Karen Marsh (Facebook). 

“No-one has done this before in Guernsey. We just said that we were going to do it and we didn’t give ourselves very long to get it organised.

“We’ve got a few farmers and some tractor enthusiasts and random people who sent us messages to get involved. We wanted it to be for anyone and everyone.”

Tractors of all sizes were joined by the Bachmann family’s sleigh, a police motorcycle escort, an ambulance and civil protection volunteers.

Mr Spruce thanked the Bachmann family for their support, without whom he said “we wouldn’t have had Father Christmas”.

The speed at which the event was organised and covid restrictions prevented it being a fundraiser, but that could follow in future years as organisers consider whether to make it an annual event.