The UK’s largest tractor festival celebrates its 18th anniversary this year at Newby Hall, near Ripon.
Taking place on Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9, Tractor Fest will showcase more than 1,000 vintage and modern tractors, 600 stationary engines, commercial vehicles, cars, trucks and motorcycles.
Among this year’s highlights will be a display celebrating orange tractor marques including the original orange tractor made by US machinery manufacturer Allis Chalmers, as well as harvesting and threshing machinery and an exhibition of vintage and modern European cars.
Allis Chalmers tractors were the first to be produced in a bright, easily recognised colour. Produced in Persian Orange (a colour inspired by the Californian poppy), the marketing ploy was soon copied by competitors with International Harvester produced in red from 1936, and Case using Flambeau Red.
After Henry Ford cancelled production of the Fordson tractor in the United States in 1928, the Allis Chalmers tractor was widely adopted by many farmers as a cost-effective alternative. Allis-Chalmers also collaborated with Firestone on the first pneumatic rubber tyres for tractors in 1932 and its row-crop tractors and harvester combine harvester were market leaders.
Tractor Fest has grown over 18 years to become the UK’s largest tractor show. Organised by the Yorkshire Vintage Association (YVA), the event is held over two days and is established as a firm favourite with enthusiasts and families.
Kevin Watson, chair of the YVA, said: “We are gearing up for another fantastic Tractor Fest this year. Tractor Fest is the highlight of our members’ year and exhibitor entries are coming in thick and fast. We have held our ticket prices this year and we can promise enthusiasts and families alike a great weekend, with Newby Hall and its award-winning gardens providing a stunning backdrop for our popular show.”
Tractor Fest is sponsored by agricultural and machinery auctioneer Cheffins and Econ Engineering, and supported by Ripon Farm Services.
Cheffins chairman Bill King said: “We are very proud of our association with Tractor Fest and the way it has grown year on year. We look forward to welcoming enthusiasts and visitors to what will be another great weekend at Newby.”
Tickets are £18 for adults and £15 for children with a family ticket (two adults and two children) costing £56. Under fours free. See https://www.newbyhall.com/event/tractorfest-8th-9th-june-2024/.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here