Thousands of people are expected to line the streets to cheer on a Christmas convoy of tractors in one of Louth’s most eagerly anticipated festive events.

The annual Louth Christmas Charity Tractor Road Run is set to roll again on Sunday, December 21 to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Last year, no fewer than 143 decorated farming vehicles generated more than £16,500 for the charity. And over the four years of the run so far, more than £40,000 has filled the coffers of worthy causes.

This year’s event has already received a huge boost because the Scunthorpe-based repair service, Sentex Hydraulix, has agreed to provide a £1,000 prize bundle for the best dressed tractor. The bundle includes all kind of goodies, including two tickets to the Goodwood Festival Of Speed event next July.

The annual Christmas charity tractor run in Louth creates "a fantastic light and sound show".

placeholder image — The annual Christmas charity tractor run in Louth creates "a fantastic light and sound show".

The bright and colourful tractors and truck units, adorned with festive lights, are all owned and driven by members of the local farming community. Together they create what has been described by onlookers as “a fantastic light and sound show”.

A spokesperson for the organisers said: “It’s that time of year again, and we’re excited to announce that driver entries are now open. Get your tractor signed up and join the magic!

“Our famous sponsors’ trailers are also filling fast, but we’re still accepting sponsors who want to be part of one of Louth’s biggest festive community events. Your support helps light up the town and makes Christmas extra special for the kids.

“We’ll be following the same route as last year, bringing Christmas cheer across Louth and the surrounding areas.

One of the dressed-up tractors on last year's run.

"The departure point will be Louth Livestock Market on London Road, and a massive thankyou to Masons Rural for again allowing us to use the cattle market. Its continued support means the world to us.

“Let’s make 2025 the biggest and brightest tractor run yet!”

The tractors will set off at 4.30 pm on a route that takes in places such as Legbourne, Reston, Great Carlton, Manby, Grimolby, Alvingham, Yarburgh, Covenham, Fulstow, Tetney, Holten le Clay, Thoresby, Ludborough, Utterby, Fotherby, Louth Industrial Estate and back into Louth itself, covering the likes of Chatsworth Drive, Grimsby Road, Ramsgate, Riverhead, St Bernard’s Avenue and Newmarket.

It is expected that the run will take about two-and-a-half hours and, along the way, residents can step out of their houses to send the tractors on their way with applause, appreciation and donations.

This tractor wends its way past the Boars Head pub at Newmarket, Louth during last year's event.

After last year’s event, residents took to Facebook to express how much they enjoyed it.

One said: “Thankyou to all the farmers for putting time and money into the event, even under the current hardships forced upon them. We fully support all our farming workers.”

Another summed up the feelings of many when beaming: “Absolutely awesome. Brought tears to my eyes. Louth at its very best.”

Only tractors and HGVs are permitted on the run, and all vehicles must be fully roadworthy, with working lights, and be capable of travelling at least 20 mph.

Drivers should go to the tractor run’s Facebook page for details on how to enter. The entry fee is £30.