Local businesses have been invited to sponsor a tractor taking part in this year’s Banbury Christmas Tractor Run.

The incredibly popular event, now in its 11th year, returns on Saturday, December 12.

Over the years, the popular event has seen thousands of families line the streets to watch around 100 brightly decorated tractors pass through Banbury and nearby villages.

Businesses and volunteers have been invited to get involved with this year’s Banbury Christmas Tractor Run.

placeholder image — Businesses and volunteers have been invited to get involved with this year’s Banbury Christmas Tractor Run.

The event has also raised more than £330,000 for Katharine House Hospice, with last year’s 10th anniversary event alone raised an incredible £104,106.

Organisers of the event and Katharine House Hospice are inviting businesses to get involved through corporate sponsorship packages and help raise funds for the hospice.

The team behind the event is hoping to have all 100 participating tractors sponsored.

Sue Blank, corporate engagement officer at Katharine House Hospice, said: “Our local business community plays such a vital role in making the Tractor Run possible. This year we’re aiming to raise £30,000 before the tractors leave their starting point at Spring Hill Farm.”

Last week, Katharine House Hospice and Streets Accountants held the first dedicated Tractor Run corporate launch event at Banbury Rugby Club, bringing corporate hospice supporters together.

The event gave businesses the opportunity to hear more about the Tractor Run, how funds raised make a difference to local people and families, and how they can get involved with this year’s event.

Jennie Steenkamp, founder and co-organiser of the Banbury Christmas Tractor Run, provided an overview of its origins, while Hannah Graham, living well care co-ordinator at Katharine House Hospice, spoke about the difference the funds raised make to local people and families.

Nathan Bignell, director at Streets Accountants, also shared the business perspective on supporting the event, while Matt Goode from Banbury Rugby Club spoke about the club’s role as a stop on the route.

Katharine House Hospice volunteers Alison and Tom also spoke about volunteering at the Tractor Run and the role volunteers play in collecting donations on the night.

Jennie Steenkamp said: “The Tractor Run has come a long way since its first outing in December 2016, when 26 tractors took part and we raised £2,000. Now, with 100 tractors, the brightly lit convoy has an extended route including Banbury town centre, attracting thousands of spectators.”

Nathan Bignell, director at Streets Accountants, said: “The Tractor Run is a brilliant celebration of Banbury and demonstrates what can be achieved when local businesses come together. As main sponsors of the launch event, we are proud to support an event that means so much to our community, and I would encourage businesses of all sizes to get involved, support Katharine House Hospice and be part of something genuinely special.”

Businesses interested in sponsoring a tractor at this year’s event can email the Katharine House Hospice fundraising team at [email protected].

Anyone interested in lending a hand and volunteering at this year’s Tractor Run can also contact the hospice for more information at: https://khh.org.uk/santas-helpers/#tractor-run-helpers