Builth Wells' Christmas event - with snow, Santa and an illuminated tractor run.

Builth Wells Town Council which organised the event with help from Builth Wells Young Farmers Club and Brecknock YFC, said it had ‘totally surpassed their expectations’.

The tractor run was just one part of the festivities but over 40 tractors and other vehicles took part, and there was also a Santa meet and greet at local schools and nurseries, the popular Santa’s grotto with two Santas delivering gifts to youngsters, and snow after the Mayor promised some of the white stuff

Builth’s Mayor Councillor Gwyn Davies said: “Builth Wells’ first ever illuminated tractor run, where do I start!

“Thank you to all of our committee members, volunteers, traffic conductors. Thank you to the tractor and vehicle entries, to the fancy dress entries,  and finally to the Builth Wells, Cilmery, Llanafan, and Newbridge communities who came out to show their support, it totally surpassed our expectations. 

“Hopefully we will have raised a decent amount of money for Cancer Research and Hear to Help.”

The winner of the best fancy dress award went to Peter Hope who wore a life-like Santa outfit with just the right amount of stuffing underneath, he received £50 prize money and the winner of the best decorated tractor was Carl Richards who won £100 prize money. The judges were Councillor Mark Hammond and Reverend Janet M Day

The tractors accompanied by Santa set off from Builth Wells market, paraded through the town where Santa was dropped off at the Grotto, as the tractors continued to Cilmery, Llanafan and then back to the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd.

Then in the Strand Hall, children and families enjoyed meeting Santa in the grotto and the youngsters were each given a gift which had been purchased, wrapped and labelled for different age groups by the Christmas elves.

The town council also arranged a special run with the sleigh and Santa around the schools and nurseries in the town for the children to see and meet and greet Santa.