The Parish Council held its first Scarecrow Festival in August 2021 and it proved to be a great success with young and old alike. Over 30 households in the Parish took part, as well as the local school and local businesses.
Participants were encouraged to make their own scarecrows, using recycled materials wherever possible, on any theme of their choosing, and display them in their front gardens. Scarecrows were also displayed at the Community Garden and Garden Plots, Great Wymondley, the focal point of the festival.
Amazing creativity was shown by all, with traditional scarecrows being showcased alongside more unusual ones such as the Scarecrownovirus, a mermaid, a Viking and a striking Willow Lady. The oldest participant was 91 years young – her scarecrow featured Edith and Violet enjoying a natter over tea.
Interactive walking trails around Little Wymondley and Great Wymondley showing the location of the scarecrows were published in advance of the start of the festival on the Council’s website and Facebook page. This meant anyone was able to view the scarecrows during the week of 21 to 28 August.
Feedback on the event included “Well done to everyone who made a fantastic effort ! Feel good factor & brings a smile to your face!!” and “Love them all – brilliant!”.
The event was designed to be COVID-19 secure, with residents able to walk around with members of their own households, or their friends, at a time of their choosing. This was because at the planning stage it was not clear what restrictions might be in place when the event was due to be held.
Following the positive feedback received from residents, the Parish Council is pleased to confirm plans to make this an annual event and will look at whether to introduce a theme and prizes for the best scarecrows in selected categories going forward.