‘We’ll be back next year!’

Thousands of people turned out on a chilly Sunday night to support a hugely successful event that lit up the roads of Welshpool and its surrounding villages.

The illuminated tractor run was the brainchild of Jenny Clarke who merely wanted her son to go somewhere to watch a tractor run.

With nothing local on, she decided to organise her own and her response is that it was “a phenomenal night” that will become an annual fundraiser.

“We cannot believe how many people turned out to see the tractors,” said Jenny, who confirmed that more than 80 tractors took part.

“The highlight for me was being at the front of the run and seeing everyone’s happy faces and children getting excited!

“I got very emotional at the thought that a small idea initially turned into an enormous spectacle, and people from all around came to see it. I’m overwhelmed that everywhere we looked there were people waving, cheering, singing, clapping and having a really good time!”

Jenny said the feedback has been “super” and early estimates show that in excess of £3,000 has been raised for The DPJ Foundation, a charity that works with farmers and the rural community to beat the stigma around mental health. 

“We’ve had super feedback and it seems we have a strong desire from many to repeat it next year, which we have decided we will with dates and times to be confirmed.

“We would like to thank everyone involved, from volunteer marshalls, companies who supported and donated, the Mayor of Welshpool, Santa, the spectators, and entrants. Everyone put in enormous effort and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. A special thanks goes to everyone at Coed Y Dinas, Rea Valley Tractors Welshpool and The Livestock Market, because without them it wouldn’t have been possible."

You can still donate to the event’s cause through https://www.facebook.com/donate/311355977516949/?fundraiser_source=external_url.

PICTURE: Posted to the Charity Illuminated Christmas Tractor Run Facebook page.