Urchfont Community Web

The Urchfont Scarecrow Festival was started in 1997 as an event to raise money for the refurbishment of the village hall. The theme for the first year was based on the village community and all of the displays for this festival were made by a small number of volunteers. Following the success of the first year, the festival has become an annual event with 50–55 scarecrows now being made and cared for by families, groups and individuals in the village. Past themes have included Characters for the Young at Heart, Book titles, Pairs, People that changed the World, Song Titles, Professions, Films and The Good the Bad and the Ugly.

The ‘Scarecrow Trail’ commences at the village pond where a programme can be purchased indicating the position of the scarecrow displays throughout the village. As well as a pleasant wander through our lovely village the task of identifying and matching the scarecrows to the cryptic clues in the programme is an enjoyable but challenging experience. The main scarecrow trail is supplemented by a children’s competition identifying pictures of children’s characters.

Free car parking on the local playing fields is provided and a variety of refreshments including tea, cakes, beefburgers, hot dogs, soft drinks, beers and ice creams are available around our picturesque pond. The Plant Sale adjacent to the pond is a very popular attraction and well worth a visit.

The profit from the event is used for the benefit of the local community and has included major donations to The Village Hall Extension Fund, The Community Shop, The Playground Appeal, and The Church Roof Repair Fund, together with numerous smaller donations to local community groups and organisations.

This year’s event will take place during the May Bank Holiday weekend on 3th, 4th and 5th May 2008 10.30am to 5.00pm

The theme is ‘Scarecrow Pursuits’

If you require further information about the Urchfont Scarecrow Festival contact the organisers on urchfontscarecrows@y ahoo.co.uk

Visit the Scarecrow Festival Photos on this site !