The tractors are coming! The Farmers on Christmas Lights Tour returns
The Farmers on Christmas Lights Tour is back for 2024, and is bigger, brighter, and more festive than ever before! On Saturday, 21st December, over 150 tractors and farm vehicles, all beautifully adorned with twinkling Christmas lights and decorations, will parade through the streets of Baldock, Letchworth, and Hitchin.
Now in its fourth year, the Farmers on Christmas Lights Tour has become Hertfordshire’s largest free community event and is a firm favourite in the community’s calendar.
Founded by Baldock-based farmer Richard Hill, the event was created in response to the challenges of the pandemic, aiming to bring joy to the community whilst raising much-needed funds for Garden House Hospice Care. The tractor tour has grown year on year, attracting more than 50,000 spectators in 2023, and this year is expected to be just as popular.
“We’re excited to bring this festive tractor rally back for 2024,” said Richard Hill. “This event not only brightens the streets of Baldock, Letchworth, and Hitchin but also supports the incredible work of a charity very close to my heart. The Hospice has cared for friends of mine with such dignity and I’m sure many of you reading this will know someone who has received their care too.
“Our goal is to raise £50,000, which would cover three days of care for hospice patients in the Inpatient Unit, in their own homes and out in the community this Christmas.”
The Hospice relies heavily on community fundraising and needs to raise over £15,000 every single day to fund its services. The Farmers on Christmas Lights Tour is an essential event in helping meet these financial needs.
Carla Pilsworth is Director of Income Generation at Garden House Hospice Care:
“Events like this are crucial for us to not only maintain the services we provide, but expand to meet the growing needs of our population. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a significant difference. Last year, more than 50,000 people of all ages lined our local streets. The atmosphere was electric and to experience such a sense of community spirit, especially at this time of year was so special. This year’s target is £50,000, so if every person who comes out to watch donated £1, we would reach our target.”
Event details
Date: Saturday, 21st December 2024
Time:
6:00 PM - Convoy begins in Clothall Road, Baldock
6:45 PM - Arrives in Letchworth via Pixmore Way, Gernon Way, Eastcheap, Leys Avenue, and Broadway Gardens
7:30 PM - Finishes in Hitchin at St Mary’s Car Park with fairground rides, festive treats, and thank-you celebrations
How to support
Donations can be made on the night with event volunteers, through JustGiving, by texting TRACTOR to 70460 to donate £5 or by making a donation through our website. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.
“I encourage everyone living near the route to come along and witness this festive spectacle, and to make a donation, of any size, to help me reach this target for this true community charity.” said Richard Hill.
