More than 70 of Britain’s finest vintage tractors are to roll through Ripon this weekend to raise money for a Harrogate cancer centre.

The extraordinary event on Saturday, April 11, is organised by the West Yorkshire group of the National Vintage Tractor and Engine Club (NVTEC) in memory of local farmer, founding Tractor Fest member and former NVTEC chairman Brian Chester who died in 2022.

In a much-anticipated preview of Tractor Fest at Newby Hall near Ripon this June, the tractors will tour local villages to raise money for the Sir Robert Ogden MacMillan Centre in Harrogate.

To date, more than £4,500 has been raised for the cause.

Feast of vintage tractors - This Saturday's Brian Chester Road Run in Ripon will raise money for the Sir Robert Ogden MacMillan Centre at Harrogate District Hospital. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — Feast of vintage tractors - This Saturday's Brian Chester Road Run in Ripon will raise money for the Sir Robert Ogden MacMillan Centre at Harrogate District Hospital. (Picture contributed)

Mark Nicholson, chair of West Yorkshire NVTEC, said: “The annual Brian Chester Road Run is an opportunity to not only remember our friend Brian but to share our passion for all things

tractor."Once again, we are delighted to be raising money for a cause which is close to the hearts of Brian’s family and we are very grateful for the support of the local community.”

Tractors will arrive at Tates Garden Centre in Ripon from 9am in the morning and set off on a road run around local villages at 10.30am.

The tractors can be enjoyed on a 25-mile route around Galphay, Dallowgill Moor, Kirkby Malzeard, Sawley and Laverton returning to Ripon around 1pm.

The full route is:

Leaving Tates Garden Centre at 10.30am.

Galphay Lane.

Galphay Wood (off road).

Winkesley.

Turn left at the church.

Go to junction and turn right.

Kirkby Malzeard.

Laverton.

Dallowgill Moor.

Skelding.

Grantley.

Sawley.

Hebdon Bank.

Watergate Lane.

Fountains Abbey.

Aldfield.

Past Horsley Gates Farm.

Hayfield Lane.

High Lindrick Farm (off road).

Low Lindrick Farm.

Back to Tates.

Held each June, Tractor Fest is the UK’s largest tractor festival and takes place at the award-winning Newby Hall, attracting more than 15,000 visitors annually.

As well as featuring more than 1,400 vintage and modern tractors, the event also offers a host of entertainment, crafts, food and drink.

Admission includes access to Newby’s RHS Chelsea gold medal winning gardens, and a lot more.

Tractor Fest tickets from: https://www.newbyhall.com/event/tractorfest-6th-7th-june-2026/