Deck the lanes! The Banbury Christmas Tractor Run rolls out for its tenth outing on Saturday 13 December, with a 20-mile procession of 100 festively lit tractors fundraising for Katharine House Hospice.
Every tractor is already sponsored by local businesses, banking £38,900 before engines even start. The big birthday goal? A record-breaking £100,000 to support the hospice’s vital care (it costs £5.9m+ a year to run).
At a glance
- When: Sat 13 December, 5.00–8.30pm
- Where: 20-mile loop via South Newington, Milcombe, Bloxham, Banbury, Adderbury, Aynho, Clifton, Deddington, Hempton and Barford St Michael
- How many: 100 tractors (all sponsored)
- Why: Help reach £100,000 for Katharine House Hospice
- More info (map & watch points): khh.org.uk/tractor
- Extras: Market traders at Banbury Cross (5–8pm) • Spotlight Stops serving food & drink along the route
- Vote: Best Dressed Tractor on the Banbury Christmas Tractor Run Facebook page
Roseann Thompson, Katharine House Hospice: “We’ve been working since the last run finished to make year ten the best yet. The excitement across Banbury and the villages is incredible — and every pound raised helps us care for local families.”
Jennie Steenkamp, RC Baker (founder & co-organiser): “It’s joy, resilience and community spirit on wheels — and it raises life-changing funds for a charity close to so many hearts.”
Live route timings (approx.)
(Traffic and weather may cause delays. Please use pavements/verges and follow marshals.)
| Time | Location & notes |
| 5.00pm | Depart Spring Hill Farm, Barford St Michael (no public access for departure) |
| 5.10pm | South Newington |
| 5.25pm | Milcombe |
| 5.45pm | Bloxham → continues on A361 to Banbury |
| 6.05pm | Banbury (Oxford Road) |
| 6.15pm | Banbury Cross loop → back up South Bar → Oxford Road (A4260) to Adderbury |
| 6.40pm | Sainsbury’s |
| 6.50pm | Banbury Rugby Club |
| 7.00pm | Adderbury & Katharine House Hospice wave-by |
| 7.25pm | Aynho |
| 7.45pm | Clifton |
| 8.00pm | Deddington (Market Place) |
| 8.15pm | Hempton |
| 8.25pm | Barford St Michael |
| 8.30pm | Return to Spring Hill Farm |
Roads: Banbury Cross will be closed ~5–8pm. Elsewhere expect rolling delays as the convoy passes.
Parking (kindly offered for spectators)
(Capacity is limited; arrive early and park considerately. More sites may be added on the event page.)
Bloxham
- Bloxham Mill, Barford Road OX15 4FF — 200 spaces
- Bloxham School, Banbury Road OX15 4PE — 45 spaces
- Warriner School, Bloxham Grove Road OX15 4LJ — 25 spaces (sports hall entrance)
- Additional 5–6 spaces along Bloxham Grove Road
Deddington
- Deddington CE Primary, Earl’s Lane OX15 0TJ — 30 spaces
- Limited spaces on Earl’s Lane, the main road, Market Place and Bullring
Donate, vote, volunteer
Give now (it all helps)
- Text: TRACTORLIGHTS 10 to 70085 to donate £10
(To give a different amount, text TRACTORLIGHTS [amount] — e.g. TRACTORLIGHTS 20 for £20.) - Online: khh.org.uk
Best Dressed Tractor
- Drivers display entry numbers — vote for your favourite on the Banbury Christmas Tractor Run Facebook page on the night.
Be one of Santa’s helpers
- The team needs steward volunteers (no traffic management duties). Sign up via the volunteering section on the event website.
Family-friendly tips (from last year’s playbook)
- Pick your spot early at an official watch point
- Wrap up warm, bring a torch and a hot drink
- Stay on pavements/verges; follow marshals and signage
- Park considerately; keep driveways/junctions clear
- Ear defenders can help little ones who find engines loud
- Please don’t go to Spring Hill Farm for the departure — it’s for convoy assembly only
Why this year feels special
In 2024 the run smashed its record with £68,000 (up from £49,000 in 2023). Spectators lined village roads and Banbury Cross, and some even travelled from across the UK — and as far as California and the Netherlands — to see the fairy-lit fleet. Year ten aims even higher.
About Katharine House Hospice
Katharine House provides personalised, specialist care for people with life-limiting illness across North Oxfordshire and South Northamptonshire, at the hospice, in hospital, in care homes and at home. Community fundraising like the Tractor Run helps keep services free for patients and families.
Wrap up warm, bring your best cheer, and let’s light up North Oxfordshire while helping Katharine House hit that £100k.
Quick Questions answered
What time do tractors reach Banbury Cross?
6.15pm approx.
Can I watch the start at Spring Hill Farm?
There is no public access at the start, please use watch points above.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on leads and keep to pavements/verges.
Is it free to watch?
Yes; but donations are very welcome and encouraged to help this fabulous charity reach their target.
Will there be food and drink?
Yes, Spotlight Stops + traders at Banbury Cross 5–8pm.
