Oswestry Illuminated Tractor Run Celebrates Its Third Year

Thousands of people lined pavements, gateways, laybys, and village streets to watch the third Oswestry Illuminated Tractor Run. A total of 95 tractors, festooned with Christmas lights and fitted with musical air horns, set off from Oswestry Livestock Market to complete a 38-mile circular route through eleven Shropshire towns and villages before returning to the market.

The event raised funds for the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund. The charity works to improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer in our community and raises awareness of cancer signs and symptoms to help more people receive an early diagnosis and access local treatment. Over its long history, the charity has led several high-profile and successful appeals to enhance care at the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The tractor run is organised in memory of Will “Choc” Roberts, a much-loved young farmer from Pennant Farm, Gobowen. Will, the son of Dave and Sue Roberts, was affectionately known as “Choc” due to his love of chocolate. Tragically, he passed away from a brain tumour on 12 December two years ago at the age of just 26. The event serves as a fitting tribute to his memory.

Will’s own tractor led the convoy, driven by Whittington and Oswestry Young Farmer Charles Dean, with Santa onboard waving to children along the route. Lingen Davies supported Will and his family throughout his diagnosis, treatment, and illness.

At Oswestry Livestock Market, the Best Illuminated Tractor was judged by the town’s Mayor, Councillor Rosie Redford, North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan, and Shropshire High Sheriff Jane Trowbridge. The prize was awarded to Gareth Williams and his tractor from Coleg Cambria Llysfasi. The judges then waved off the convoy at 5.20pm after a short delay.

Crowds turned out in force throughout the route, cheering and waving as the tractors passed, with drivers sounding their air horns in appreciation. The event was jointly organised by Whittington and Oswestry Young Farmers and the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund, who also arranged the collectors along the route.

Event spokesman Mike Lade said:

“We were blessed with the weather, which brought people out to the market and onto the streets. Changing the route to pass through Oswestry town centre at both the start and finish was a great decision. Once again, we were amazed by the level of support from our farming community and local residents. The numbers attending have increased again this year.

Many thanks to Whittington and Oswestry Young Farmers — without them this event would not have happened. I hope Sue and Dave Roberts feel this was a fitting epitaph to Choc. The run has now become a firm fixture in the Christmas diary for Oswestry and surrounding towns and villages, bringing festive spirit to the community.

If anyone would still like to donate, please visit our Facebook page for the link to our JustGiving page. We hope to get close to last year’s total of £20,000 for Lingen Davies. Donations remain open until January 2026 at:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/oswestryilluminatedtractorrun.”

Sincere thanks go to all the stewards who ensured the tractors stayed on route, and to the 70 Lingen Davies bucket collectors. We are also extremely grateful to the many local businesses and individuals who provided support, including: Oswestry Wynnstay Stores, Oswestry Livestock Market, Hughes Agri (Oswestry) Ltd, Shropshire Live, Oswestry Life Magazine for the countless publicity and their photographer Graham Mitchell for his time and wonderful pictures, Eagle Tyres (for escort vehicles and drivers), BSB Sound, Village Bakery, BML-Hayley, Griffiths Tool Hire, Stans at St Martins, Charlies AG & Turf, Winston Farm (Christmas trees), Egerton Tree Care, Oswestry Rugby Club, and the local Oswestry Police, particularly Mike Hogg and his team, for safely escorting the convoy. Apologies to anyone we may have inadvertently missed.

Please pencil in Saturday 12 December 2026 — the Oswestry Illuminated Tractor Run will be back again to spread festive cheer and support a vital local cause.

Pictured: Gareth Williams with the trophy for best illuminated tractor L-R Mayor Councillor Rosie Radford, Gareth Williams Dave, MP Helen Morgan, Shropshire High Sheriff Jane Trowbridge, Dave Roberts and Sue Roberts.