Hundreds of Tractors to Travel Through Harrogate District for Charity Run

Hundreds of tractors will take to the roads across the Harrogate district this weekend as the popular Knaresborough Tractor Run returns.

The annual event takes place on Sunday (8 March) and is expected to attract hundreds of vintage, classic and modern tractors raising money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The tractor convoy will travel through a number of local communities including Knaresborough, Staveley, Burton Leonard, Bishop Monkton, Markington and Pateley Bridge, drawing spectators along the route.

The run begins at 9am from the Brown Gate entrance at the Great Yorkshire Showground, before passing through Knaresborough town centre at around 9:30am.

From there the tractors will continue through nearby villages before arriving in Pateley Bridge from midday, where drivers will stop for lunch at the Nidderdale Showground.

Visitors attending the stop will be able to enjoy refreshments, family activities and pedal tractors for children. If operationally possible, a Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopter is also expected to land during the stop at around 1pm.

After leaving Pateley Bridge, the convoy will continue through Padside, Tang, Hampsthwaite and Birstwith before returning to Knaresborough, finishing at York Place car park between 4pm and 4:15pm.

Event Has Raised Nearly £170,000 for Charity

The tractor run first began in 2012, when members of Knaresborough Young Farmers organised a casual tractor drive while raising money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Following the tragic death of member Mike Spink in 2017, the event was expanded in his memory.

Since then the organisers have formed a Community Interest Company, and the tractor run has grown into the largest event of its kind in the UK.

Across eight runs the event has raised almost £170,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, including £31,690 raised in 2025 alone. Organisers hope this year’s event will push the total fundraising figure beyond £200,000.

Drivers taking part pay £20 to enter, with passengers costing £10, and organisers encourage people to support the cause as the convoy passes through local communities.

Motorists are advised to expect some temporary traffic disruption, particularly along Boroughbridge Road between Knaresborough and Staveley between 9:30am and 10:30am.

During the lunch stop in Pateley Bridge, judges will also present awards for Best Modern Tractor, Best Classic Tractor and Best Vintage Tractor.

A limited number of pink charity bobble hats will also be available to buy, with proceeds going towards the fundraising total.

Supporters can also follow the tractor run throughout the day via local radio and social media updates.