Liverpool Christmas tractor parade cancelled indefinitely

Liverpool’s much-loved Christmas tractor convoy has been cancelled indefinitely, with organiser and local farmer Olly Harrison citing growing security risks and a lack of support from local authorities and police.

Mr Harrison, who has led the festive event since its inception in 2020, said the parade had “become a victim of its own success”, attracting such huge crowds that ensuring public safety had become an impossible burden to bear alone.

“I don’t want the risk,” Mr Harrison told Farmers Weekly. “I have been put under pressure by the local authorities over the past few years who say that I’m responsible for the safety of the huge crowds it draws.

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“That’s fine when it comes to tractors and the parade. But it’s impossible to make them safe from acts of terror.”

The annual parade, which has raised more than £250,000 for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and brought joy to families across Merseyside, had grown to attract tens of thousands of people lining the 25-mile route.

In 2023, Mr Harrison said Merseyside Police told him they would no longer assist with escorting the convoy and providing a police presence due to a change in policy, forcing him to organise independent marshals.

“With what happened at the Liverpool FC Champions parade, and more recently the terror attack on the synagogue in Manchester, it’s just not possible to do it anymore,” he said.

“If some nutter decides to drive through the crowd, it would be on me. I’d end up in prison.”

Mr Harrison added: “Both the councils and the police told me last year they didn’t want me to run it. The only way I could see it working is with police back on board and a huge police presence.”

The parade was about more than just festive lights, the farmer said. “It was the visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, the food bank deliveries, reaching communities that never see a tractor.

“The fundraising was just the fourth part of it – the community impact was the most important aspect.”

Mr Harrison remains open to local councils taking over the Liverpool run, saying “we never say never”.

Police comment

Supt Karl Baldwin, from Merseyside Police, said many families have enjoyed the festive display in Liverpool, which has been “fantastic” to raise funds for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

However, due to changes in national policy, event organisers are now legally responsible for the traffic management, the escort of the parade and the safety of spectators was their responsibility.

Supt Baldwin said Merseyside Police and other partners, remain available to support the event organiser with guidance, practical help and maintain wider public safety. “We will of course continue this support if the event ever returns in future years,” he added.

Other events ‘at risk’

Organisers of the Bridgnorth Festive Charity Tractor Run in Shropshire have also said their event will no longer be taking place until further notice.

“Due to laws, legislations and increasing liability presented to us as the event has grown, it is no longer possible for us to continue at a safe level,” explained organiser Josh Barratt

“When we started this journey, we never thought that we would go from 50 tractors tootling around Worfield and raising £3,500, to the 250 tractors and £23,500 we raised last year.”

Over four years, the event has raised roughly £58,000 for cancer-based charities. 

“We will be taking this year off to reconsider our options and make plans for future events, but please rest assured, you haven’t heard the last of us,” Mr Barratt added.