Somerset Tractor Runners was established during the lockdown in 2020 when a local lady posted on Facebook asking if any vintage tractor owners could drive past the Wessex House Care Home in Somerton for Father’s Day. The aim was to brighten the day for elderly farmers who couldn’t see their families.

Inspired by the post, Nick Gilliam, Zachary Anderson, Charlotte England, and Zac Drayton came together to create Somerset Tractor Runners. All passionate members of the vintage tractor community (with a collection that’s grown considerably over the years), they are also committee members of the local Yesterday Farming event. Today, Somerset Tractor Runners boasts an online community of over 3,700 enthusiasts and actively shares information about other local tractor runs in Somerset. We are also strongly supported by the community whilst on our routes, with many people coming out to wave to the spectacular convoy of tractors.

Since its first event in June 2020, Somerset Tractor Runners has hosted four Father’s Day Tractor Runs and six New Year’s Day Tractor Runs. These runs cover around 30 miles, taking the convoy through the picturesque villages and towns of Somerset. The 2025 New Year’s Day Run saw a fantastic turnout of around 140 tractors.

The tractor runs aim to raise money for deserving charities. To date, over £11,000 has been donated to causes including Kingsbury Episcopi Primary School, RABI, Dementia UK, and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

This year, Somerset Tractor Runners is proud to support Farmerados and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance as our chosen charities.

• Farmerados is a grassroots, farmer-led initiative focused on improving mental health and wellbeing within the agricultural community. By creating welcoming, informal spaces at shows and events, they encourage open conversation, connection, and peer support among farmers who understand the unique pressures of rural life. Their work helps tackle isolation, stress, and the growing mental health challenges faced by those working in farming today.

• The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance provides life-saving emergency services to our local communities. As we travel through villages and towns during our tractor runs, we are reminded of how essential this rapid-response medical care is, particularly in rural areas where access to emergency healthcare can be challenging.

Both charities are deeply connected to the rural lifestyle that Somerset Tractor Runners celebrates, and we are honoured to give back to the communities and causes that mean so much to us and our supporters.