A special tractor run to remember a farmer who helped set up the UK's biggest tractor festival will take place in April - the second event in his memory.
The Brian Chester Road Run will take place on Saturday, April 8 in anticipation of Tractor Fest at Newby Hall in June.
More than 20 vintage tractors took part in last year's road run, which raised over £700 for the Sir Robert Ogden MacMillan Centre at Harrogate District Hospital.
Starting at Tates Garden Centre, Larkhill Nurseries in Ripon at 10.30am, the tractors will tour local villages including Galphay, Dallowgill Moor and Low Grantley, before returning at 1pm.
The event is being organised by the West Yorkshire group of the National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club (NVTEC) in memory of former NVTEC chairman, and Tractor Fest fouding member, Brian Chester.
Mark Nicholson, chair of West Yorkshire NVTEC, said: “The road run is in memory of Brian who was a great vintage and classic tractor enthusiast and supporter of the NVTEC. We have made it an annual event which will continue to raise money for charity as Brian would have wanted.”
Kevin Watson, chair of the Yorkshire Vintage Association who organise Tractor Fest, said: “Brian was an enthusiastic founding member of Tractor Fest and his legacy lives on in what is now the UK’s largest tractor show. We’re delighted to be able to remember him in this way while sharing his love of tractors with the local community.”
Over 15 years Tractor Fest has grown to become the UK's largest tractor show. Established as a firm favourite among engine enthusiasts and families alike, this year's event will take place over two days, Saturday 10 June and Sunday 11.
Tractor Fest normally attracts around 12,000 over its two days to Newby Hall, near Ripon.
This year's event will feature more than 1,000 vintage and modern tractors, 600 stationary engines as well as commercial vehicles, cars, trucks and motorcycles. It will also be celebrating the centenaries of the John Deere model D tractor, and of British auto manufacturer, MG cars.
Watson added: “We are gearing up for a fantastic Tractor Fest this year. Exhibitor entries are coming in thick and fast, not least for our two iconic themes – the centenaries of the John Deere model D and the MG car."
This year’s festival will also showcase factory-built portable engines and tractors with Perkins engines. A host of entertainment, crafts, food and drink will be on offer while admission includes access to Newby Hall’s award-winning gardens, adventure playground, dolls house and teddy bear exhibitions.
Tickets are available through Newby Hall's website: https://www.newbyhall.com/event/tractorfest-10th-11th-june-2023/
More information can be found at Tractor Fest's website: http://tractorfest.uk/
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