Liverpool’s Christmas tractor parade has been cancelled indefinitely.
The convoy travelled through the city since 2020 in festive lights to raise money for the official charity of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, which it passed on the route.
More than 250,000 was generated in donations but organiser Olly Harrison has confirmed that the annual event will not be taking place for the first time in five years.
Mr Harrison cited issues with support from Merseyside Police and the local councils around traffic management for the parade was behind the reluctant cancellation.
He said: “Sadly, there won’t be one this year.
“Farmers are up for doing it but we’ve not be able to have any support from the police in the last few years.
“And, particularly, the councils in the last year especially.
“The onus seems to be on me now for the crowds it generates.
“If anything were to go wrong… it would be me that would end up in prison.”
Merseyside Police said that they informed organisers in January 2023 that the responsibility for traffic management of the 17-mile event lay with them.
Superintendent Karl Baldwin said: “Merseyside Police, and other partners, remained 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.”
Alder Hey Children’s Charity said: “We are immensely grateful to Olly Harrison and the wider farming community for their incredible support over the past few years – raising both vital funds and awareness for Alder Hey.
“The generosity and community spirit shown through the Tractor Events has made a real difference to the lives of our young patients and their families.”