Welshpool Tractor Run will not happen this year

The joint founder of the Welshpool Illuminated Tractor Run has revealed that it won’t be going ahead this year for a number of reasons.

Jenny Clarke started the event in 2021 alongside husband Kevin after seeing successful runs were being held elsewhere in the UK, but there was nothing local for their young family to watch.

It has become a popular part of our pre-Christmas calendars and has almost £30,000 for local charities with over 100 tractors driving a route through the local villages, starting and finishing in Welshpool.

But a lack of volunteers, tighter regulations and the “silly” behaviour of a small number of participants last year has led to the decision to call it quits, for now.

Jennty also told us that with so many tractor runs now being held locally it just wasn’t feasible any more.

“We are exhausted of trying and begging for help and volunteers for only a few to turn up,” said Jenny. “Those few are incredible and do help enormously but it isn’t enough. It’s always the same people offering help and it’s not fair on them not enjoying the event each time.

“With road closures, police intervention and a couple of the younger participants being silly last year bringing extra attention from the police which again makes things harder, we’ve taken the decision that certainly for this year we won’t be organising it.

“Rallying round for raffle prizes has got harder as the years go on and the costs of doing it properly with insurances, traffic management and road closures increasing annually it’s just a lot to take on.

“Not to mention that every single town and village now does a tractor run. So, there are still ample for people to visit. Some of which we will happily go watch ourselves.”

A return in future hasn’t been ruled out but for this December at least it looks unlikely that we will see the spectacular convoy light up our towns and villages.