This started about 8 years ago when people started putting scarecrows outside their houses. Since then, it has really taken off and has been featured regularly in the local press and on National Television. Every year towards the end of April, each household puts out a scarecrow (or ten!) usually based on themes decided by a Scarecrow Committee. Past themes have included: the Olympics (1996), UK Election (1997), World Cup (1998) and Icons of the Century (1999). During the week, scarecrows are judged and prizes awarded for the best ones.
The festival itself has got bigger and more popular. During the week, the village is visited by 250.000 people from all over the UK and abroad. Over 200 scarecrows are created by the villagers of Wray and they take a variety of forms. The enthusiasm and imagination of the people from Wray is quite incredible as you can see.
Various groups run activities and refreshments stalls to raise money for local causes. Scarecrow memrorabilia is also on sale. There is a road race, torchlight procession and on the Bank Holiday Monday there is a Fair where there are rides, stalls, jazz bands, fell race and other attractions. Local arts and crafts are on show during the week and on the Fair Day.
For more information visit the "Wray Village Home Page" (www.wrayvillage.co.uk)
Scarecrow Festrival in Wray/Lancashire 2002
Photos: Jo Clark
