Festive tractor parade to raise funds for charity

ANDREW MUTIMER A red tractor decorated with white lights is travelling through a darkly lit village street  ANDREW MUTIMER
Farm vehicles covered in Christmas lights will take part in the Suffolk Tractor Light Parade which returns for its third year on Sunday

About 125 tractors decorated in Christmas lights are expected to take part in a procession through the countryside later.

The colourful Suffolk Tractor Light Parade began in 2022 and travels through villages in the east of the county.

Liz Quickenden, the event's creator, said: "After such an astounding response from tractor drivers, residents and visitors last year, it felt only right for the parade to return for its third year."

The parade will begin at Clarke & Simpson's Campsea Ashe auction centre and then travel round villages including Wickham Market, Eyke, Rendlesham, Melton and Tunstall, before returning to Campsea Ashe.

ARLO FOSTER Brightly lit tractors and a farm vehicle are parked in a dark barn before heading out on the parade ARLO FOSTER
Last year 94 tractors joined the event to raise more than £6,000 for Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue and the Woodbridge charity Just42

Spectators can visit the tractors from 15:30 GMT with the parade expected to start at 17:00.

Ms Quickenden said: "We wanted to make the event even better than before with new additions, such as the opportunity for one to be named Best Dressed Tractor, which we know will be a highly contested trophy.

"Once more we will also be looking to raise vital funds for three charities, all of which are doing great work within the areas which the parade passes through.

"We've also been so fortunate to have the backing of a few local businesses, meaning that we can spread the word further and wider within our community.

"So please show your support and give the drivers a cheer when you see them on Sunday."

This year the parade will be raising money and supporting the East Anglian Air Ambulance, Suffolk Libraries and the Eastern Community Assistance Team, which provides help during extreme weather events, such as flooding.

Organisers said in total the Suffolk Tractor Light Parade had raised £9037.28 for local charities.

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