For over a decade, Santa’s sleigh has been lighting up the streets of Burton upon Trent and South Derbyshire, spreading festive cheer and raising vital funds for young people. This year marks a special milestone, the 10th anniversary of TC Harrison Ford partnering with the Burton upon Trent Duke of Edinburgh Award Association to make this magical tradition possible!
Around 15 years ago, the association was gifted a sleigh, the start of what has become a much-loved festive event. Today, the sleigh tour spans 15 nights, with Santa and his helpers visiting pre-arranged routes for 3-4 hours each evening, drawing crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the big man himself.
Using a dedicated app, families can track Santa’s movements in real time, ensuring no one misses out on the fun. The turnout is incredible, with even the smallest events attract over 800 people! Every year, requests pour in from surrounding areas asking for routes to include their streets, demonstrating the importance of this venture in the community.
The purpose of the sleigh drive goes beyond spreading joy, it raises money for the Burton upon Trent Duke of Edinburgh Award Association. Donations collected during the tour help provide skills, resources, and opportunities for young people in the local community. In the ten years TC Harrison Ford has been part of this event, a staggering £120,000 has been raised, with around £12,000 - £14,000 collected each year. These funds ensure the association can continue its fantastic work supporting youth development.

Our partnership with the association began a decade ago, and we’re proud to provide the power behind Santa’s sleigh in the form of a Ford Ranger. This year’s sleigh-puller is extra special, in the form of Rudolph the Red Nosed Ranger, a festive Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid wrapped in a bespoke design created by our in-house team.
With the option of zero-tailpipe emission driving around urban streets and ProPower onboard, delivering a silent 230v 2.3kW power supply, it’s perfect for powering the sleigh’s PA system. As Martin Hulbert, Chairman of the association, says: “The partnership with TC Harrison is without doubt the most important thing we have. To provide a truck with its own generator on board is a game changer – a car that without TCH, we wouldn’t be able to afford.”
At TC Harrison Ford, we’re proud to support the communities we serve and the amazing work of the Burton upon Trent Duke of Edinburgh Award Association. Here’s to another decade of festive fun, goodwill, and making a difference together!

Want to see Santa and Rudolph the Red Nosed Ranger in action? Check out the locations below:
Sunday 30th November - Bilash
Monday 1st December - Briz Valley/Clay Street/Malvern Avenue and Stanton
Friday 5th December - Winshill
Saturday 6th December – Hilton New
Sunday 7th December – Hilton Old
Monday 8th December – Athleston Way
Tuesday 9th December - Etwall
Friday 12th December - Willington
Saturday 13th December – Golf Club/Anglesey Road
Sunday 14th December - Rolleston
Monday 15th December – Britannia Drive
Friday 19th December – Clays Lane/Maple Way
Saturday 20th December – Waterside
Sunday 21st December - Barton
Monday 22nd December – Branston New