The Ripon Tinsel Tractor Run is gearing up for its biggest year yet.
Now a much-loved festive fixture in the local calendar, organisers have set an ambitious £10,000 fundraising target for 2026 in support of Yorkshire Cancer Research.
The event began in November 2023 when organisers Brian Chandler and Simon Dickinson discovered they each had a brother-in-law battling bladder cancer. Determined to make a difference, they arranged a tractor run with just three weeks’ notice. Eighteen tractors rolled out, raising an impressive £1,640 and laying the foundations for something truly special.
In 2024, the team expanded with the addition of Colin Houseman supporting social media and Mark Nicholson assisting through NVTEC with insurance and marshalling. The event grew to 35 tractors, raising £2,653.
By 2025, demand had outgrown the Market Place’s capacity of 38 tractors. To keep the event growing – and fundraising rising – the team turned to local businesses for sponsorship. The response was overwhelming, and with strong community backing, the event smashed its target and achieved a remarkable £7,022.99.
Now, the organisers are aiming even higher. The 2026 run will take place on Saturday 5 December, leaving Tates Garden Centre at 3pm.
To reach this year’s £10,000 goal, the organisers are inviting local businesses, organisations, and supporters to come on board as sponsors and help drive the event to new heights.
Anyone interested in sponsoring the Ripon Tinsel Tractor Run – whether through financial support or promotional partnership – is encouraged to get in touch. Contact Brian Chandler on 07802 597015 or [email protected].