Christmas story: Festive Farmers Charity Tractor Tour returns on Saturday 19 December
Gloucestershire
Festive Farmers return to light up Gloucestershire this Christmas – with plans for three charity tractor tours
Popular illuminated tractor convoy returns on 19 December, raising money for Rainbow Trust Children's Charity and Dementia UK.
One of Gloucestershire's most spectacular festive sights is returning this December, as the Festive Farmers Charity Tractor Tour prepares to bring thousands of twinkling Christmas lights, decorated tractors and plenty of festive cheer to communities across the county.
The much-loved event will return on Saturday 19 December 2026, from 5pm, with a convoy of around 40 illuminated tractors travelling from Shipton through the Cotswold villages and into Cheltenham.
And this year, the organisers have even bigger ambitions, with plans to introduce two additional tractor tours, provisionally scheduled for 21 and 22 December, bringing the colourful Christmas spectacle to more towns and villages across the surrounding area.
Two new charities for 2026
This year's tour will raise vital funds for two national charities providing invaluable support to families facing difficult circumstances.
Rainbow Trust Children's Charity supports families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness, providing practical and emotional support when it is needed most.
Dementia UK provides specialist dementia nursing support through its Admiral Nurses, helping families navigate the challenges of living with dementia.
The charities were chosen to ensure this year's event makes a meaningful difference to families who need additional care, guidance and support.
Building on last year's success
The Festive Farmers Charity Tractor Tour has become a much-anticipated part of the local Christmas calendar, bringing together farmers, volunteers, businesses and residents in a celebration of community spirit.
Last year's event raised an impressive £8,981 through the GiveWheel fundraising platform, including Gift Aid, supporting Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and the farming charity RABI.
This year, the team hopes to surpass that total while bringing the festive convoy to even more communities.
John Close, a spokesperson for Festive Farmers and Cheltenham based farmer said:
"We're absolutely delighted to be bringing the tractors back for another year. The reaction from people along the route is always incredible – seeing families out together, children waving and entire streets coming out to watch makes all the effort worthwhile.
"Last year, the generosity of local people was fantastic, and we're hoping to build on that success in 2026. Rainbow Trust and Dementia UK both do extraordinary work supporting families through incredibly challenging times, and we're proud to be raising money for them.
"We're also really excited about the possibility of adding two more routes this year. We've had so many people asking us to visit their towns and villages, and we'd love to bring a little Christmas magic to even more communities."
A convoy of Christmas lights
The event sees local farmers transform their tractors into spectacular moving displays, decorating them with thousands of colourful Christmas lights before taking to the roads in a festive procession.
The main route on 19 December will travel through Shipton, Withington, Andoversford, Charlton Kings and Prestbury before reaching Cheltenham town centre.
Residents are encouraged to find a safe spot along the route, wrap up warm and enjoy the spectacle as the convoy passes.
The additional routes are currently being planned, with full details and confirmed dates to be announced nearer the event.
How to support the tour
The Festive Farmers event is organised by volunteers from the local farming community, with support from local businesses helping to cover running costs so donations can go to the chosen charities.
Members of the public can support the fundraising by donating online through GiveWheel, with further information available on the event website.
Event details
Event: Festive Farmers Charity Tractor Tour 2026
Main date: Saturday 19 December 2026
Start time: 5pm
Main route: Shipton, Withington, Andoversford, Charlton Kings, Prestbury and Cheltenham
Additional Cotswold village tours: Provisionally 21st and 22nd December, subject to confirmation
Charities: Rainbow Trust Children's Charity and Dementia UK
Website: www.festivefarmers.co.uk
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