Farmers gather in unique display of solidarity at Newbury Racecourse against Government’s planned inheritance tax reforms

More than hundred tractors have gathered at Newbury Racecourse today (Saturday).

Around 120 tractors have been amassed in the centre of the showground since 9.30am.

The gathering, organised by a group of local farmers, is intended as a unique show of support for farmers and the countryside in response to the Government’s plans to impose a 20 per cent inheritance tax on farm assets worth £1m or more from April 2026.

Among the farmers in attendance is Eleanor Gilbert, also known as Berkshire Farm Girl. She said: “The aim is really to interact with the general public.

“We’re talking about the things farmers are struggling with. It’s not just the inheritance tax.

“It’s also really good for farmers’ mental health because obviously it’s a day out and they get to talk about their problems with each other, because a lot of them are really struggling with this.”

Newbury Racecourse chief executive Shaun Hinds told newburytoday: “[Local farmers] came to us with this idea really about a sort of a celebration, a rally for rural life.

“They’re here engaging with members of the public. It's an opportunity for them to tell their story, which is more than just the obvious stuff they go up to London for.

“It's about it's about what it is to be a farmer and some of the challenges the farming community has.”

Mr Hinds also assured newburytoday there has been no damage caused to the Racecourse.

He added: “We worked with the farmers to bring some track. They have these kinds of plastic tracks that they put down across fields.

“So, where you cross the racetrack, we made sure that was all protected with the tracks we had.

“We made sure all of the tractors were in between 9.30am and 10.30am. We didn't open the gates until 12pm and didn't start racing until 2pm.

“We wanted everybody in and organised way before that. We put a lot of effort into making sure that the tractors can come into the racecourse. They can park up with really as little to no disruption as possible.

“We have had no issues at all. I think I heard a couple of horns at about 9am, but that was about it.”

The tractors are staying all day until all visitors have left at around 6.30pm.