Scarecrows take on an eco theme at Wray’s quirky festival

For ten days every year, the village of Wray in Lancashire is overrun with scarecrows of all shapes and sizes, from four centimetres to four metres tall; all made and displayed by the village residents.

This year’s theme is Evolution: Extinct, Endangered, Existing, and the scarecrows will be competing to win prizes in categories including best themed, best traditional, best mechanical, best topical and people’s choice.

In addition to the scarecrows, the ten-day festival programme incorporates a range of events including a road race, cycling event, fun fair, parade, soapbox derby, ball race, and fell race.

The festival will begin on Saturday 27th April with the 10k road race, as well as the many scarecrows on display. Sunday 28th April will see the Bowland Forest Populaire cycling event, and a collectors’ fair and car boot taking place; as well as the Wacky Wrayces Soap Box Derby, which is back for a second year.

During the week there will be maypole dancing, a classic bike night and the opening of the fun fair. Then, on Friday 3rd May, the Giant Scarecrow Parade will take place, featuring giant scarecrows and local bands, led by the Batala Samba Reggae Band.

The festival wraps up on the bank holiday weekend, when there will be live music from local bands and artists, a football competition, a fell race, a Great Ball Race and the Wray Fair. The fair will have entertainment and activities including Croix Du Nord vikings and a drumming workshop from Samba Espirito, as well as food and crafts.

When: 27th April – 6th May 2019
Where: Wray, Lancashire
£: Free to see the scarecrows. Admission to the fair costs £5, a programme costs £2 and parking costs £2 – £5.

More info: wrayscarecrows.wordpress.com