Marlborough was heaving today. But not just with people, rather with tractors as the Devizes Young Farmers ‘Tractor ‘N Tinsel run circulated around the High Street.
As published earlier this month the 2021 ‘Tractor ‘N Tinsel Run’ comprised upwards of 150 tractors of every shape, size, age – of every type imaginable (see pics of a few below).
So the fields were getting a day off as many of the tractors from this area of Wiltshire took to the roads in what is becoming an annual – and very popular – event to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Dementia UK.
It was quite a circuitous route, starting from TH White in Devizes, but visiting Rushall and Oare and then doing a ‘pit stop’ at St Johns in Marlborough, before parading in front of the High Street throng and then twisting back to Devizes for the culmination of the run with a night time lit special around the Market Square.
Last year’s extravaganza raised over £16,000 for the two charities chosen – Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Motor Neurone Disease and this year their sights are set higher. To donate, click here to go to the Just Giving page set up by Wiltshire Young Farmers for this year’s Tractor ‘N Tinsel Run.
Cas Loudon, senior community engagement manager for Wiltshire Air Ambulance, told marlborough.news: “Events such as the Tractor & Tinsel Run help to generate vital funds for our lifesaving work and we can’t thank the Devizes Young Farmers and everyone who came out to see the procession enough for their support.”
A great chance to see one of this area’s most important industries – agriculture – in action. And a very enjoyable lunchtime out for many of the families, as this being an outdoor event, with plenty of space around to enable social distancing, which in the current pandemic crisis gave a welcome opportunity.
If the number of people watching is any indication, this should prove a very successful fundraising event as well as being a much-needed boost for retail and catering in and around the High Street area of Marlborough.
Pics of some of the many and varied tractors doing the ‘Tractor ‘N Tinsel Run’ today:
Extinction Rebellion (XR) protest on Marlborough High Street
