Tractor light parade scheduled to spread Christmas joy

The yearly Christmas-themed tractor parade is gearing up to bring joy and raise significant funds for charity. This year, the Ashbourne Christmas Tractor Lights is expected to feature around 85 tractors and farming vehicles illuminating villages in the region on Saturday evening.

Event organiser Clare Thornley described the parade as an opportunity for "fun and sharing the festive spirit." She explained that the event was inspired by a personal tribute to her mother-in-law, Helen Mead, who passed away from cancer in 2019.

Mrs. Mead, who served as a healthcare assistant at Royal Derby Hospital for over 25 years, had a deep love for Christmas and great pride in her son Tom's tractors. Mrs. Thornley said, "Honoring her memory through this event felt right. Seeing children's smiles along the route is incredibly rewarding."

Since its inception in 2020, the event, combined with a fundraising party, has raised more than 11,000 for charities including Cancer Research, Farming Community Network, and PASIC, which supports children with cancer and their families.

This year's parade will follow a "shortened" route. Leading the procession will be a forage harvester, with Mr. and Mrs. Thornley dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The parade will begin at Stanton Dale at 16:15 GMT, arrive in Ashbourne town centre around 19:30 GMT, and return to Stanton Dale by 21:00 GMT. Along the route, local pubs will host collection points for donations to the charitable causes.

Author: Gavin Porter