Vintage tractor road run returns to Ripon to raise funds for Sir Robert Ogden MacMillan Centre in Harrogate

The third Brian Chester Road Run will take place in Ripon on Saturday, April 13 as a preview of Tractor Fest at Newby Hall later in the year.
By Dominic Brown
Published 6th Apr 2024, 12:00 BST
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More than 50 vintage tractors are expected to take part in the road run, which has raised more than £1,500 to date for the Sir Robert Ogden MacMillan Centre at Harrogate District Hospital.

The event is organised by the West Yorkshire group of the National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club (NVTEC) in memory of local farmer, founding Tractor Fest member and former NVTEC chairman, Brian Chester.

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The tractors can be enjoyed on a route around Galphay, Dallowgill Moor and Low Grantley, setting off from Tates Garden Centre, Larkhill Nurseries in Ripon at 10.30am and returning around 1pm.

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Tractors being put through their paces ahead of Tractor Fest. Photo: Tyler Parker PhotographyTractors being put through their paces ahead of Tractor Fest. Photo: Tyler Parker Photography
Tractors being put through their paces ahead of Tractor Fest. Photo: Tyler Parker Photography

Mark Nicholson, chairman of West Yorkshire NVTEC, said: “The annual Brian Chester Road Run has become a popular fixture in our members’ diaries and is our opportunity to share our love of vintage and classic tractors while remembering the legacy of a great man and his love of Tractor Fest.

"We are delighted to be, once again, raising money for a cause which is close to Brian’s family’s hearts and we would be very grateful if the communities on the route are able to support us and dig deep.”

Tractor Fest is the UK’s largest tractor festival and takes place at the award-winning country house and gardens at Newby Hall on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9.

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The event attracts more than 12,000 visitors annually and features more than 1,500 vintage and modern tractors, stationary engines, commercial vehicles, cars, trucks and motorcycles.

This year’s festival will celebrate orange tractor marques including the Allis Chalmers, as well as harvesting and threshing machinery and an exhibition of vintage and modern European cars.

The show will also feature displays from specialist marque clubs and working vintage machinery.

Admission includes access to Newby’s gardens, adventure playground, dolls’ house and teddy bear exhibitions.

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Other fun activities for families over the weekend include mini tractor driving, face painting, colouring and interactive exhibits. There are also trade stands, crafts and a choice of street food.

Tractor Fest is sponsored by Cheffins and Econ Engineering. The show is also supported by Ripon Farm Services.

For more details, visit https://www.newbyhall.com/event/tractorfest-8th-9th-june-2024/

Related topics:RiponHarrogateWest Yorkshire