Our festival came into being as a result of members of our community visiting a scarecrow festival whilst on holiday. Richard and Monica Orgee saw a festival in Devizes in 2007, they thought it would be something that could be enjoyed in Bromyard.  The next year they arranged a coach trip from Bromyard to Devizes and all agreed it would be a success. It was originally part of the C’Fest celebrations but latterly has become a festival in its own right.

The festival is unusual in that all scarecrows have to be made to an annual theme, unlike many other festivals where people make scarecrows using their own ideas. In Bromyard our themes have varied from titles of songs, or books, to landmarks or momentous occasions. People have to think of a title but then must check with the Festival Secretary so as to avoid duplication. We have seen some amazing, creative scarecrows over the years.

An additional element is that festival committee devise a competition with cryptic clues. It requires entrants to guess the name of the scarecrow and to match it to the clue. We have an adults’ competition and also an easier one for children, they have their own clues. The winner of the adult competition wins £50 the children’s winner receives a book token for £25.

On the Friday of the festival, we have a parade of scarecrow entourages from the churchyard through the town led by a marching band. It finishes on the Town Green where there will be refreshments. The town will be full, people enjoying the spectacle and gives us chance to hold a bucket collection. We award 4 prizes of £50 at the judges’ discretion.

Over the weekend scarecrows will be placed around the town on in shop windows.  Our aim is to create a short walking route and we will provide a map for the purpose.  The scarecrows will be judged on the Saturday morning and then prizes are awarded for the winning scarecrows - £75 for 1st, £50 for 2nd and £25 for 3rd. We also have a number of Highly Commended certificates. All entry forms and completed competition forms will be available from the Scarecrow sales kiosk outside the Bromyard Centre.

If you would like more information please contact Lynne Wilkins, Secretary on 01885 488206 or email bromyardscarecrows@gmail.com