By Damon Sugden
Pudsey’s much-loved Scarecrow Festival is gearing up to make a big return this autumn — and this year promises to be more inspiring than ever!
Mark your calendars for Sunday 7 September, when Pudsey Park and surrounding streets will once again come alive with a colourful collection of creative scarecrows.
From 10am to 4pm, visitors can explore imaginative displays in the park and along the popular Scarecrow Trail across town.
For 2025, organisers have announced an uplifting new theme: “Inspirational People & Characters.”
Participants are encouraged to pay tribute to everyday heroes — think NHS staff, firefighters, police officers, teachers — or to bring their favourite fictional characters to life in scarecrow form.
The festival is a fantastic summer holiday project for families, schools, and local groups. Entries can be as big or small as you like, and all materials are welcome — though organisers strongly promote recycling and using old clothes and straw to keep the scarecrow spirit alive.
Scarecrows can be set up in front gardens (visible from the street), in shop windows, or delivered to Pudsey Park on the day to be displayed until 4pm.
Alongside the trail and park displays, there will be live music on the bandstand, food stalls, sweet treats, crafts, and entertainment throughout the day, making it a perfect day out for all ages.
Trail maps will once again be available to help visitors hunt down scarecrows across Pudsey, and organisers will be sharing handy building tips and ideas online here.
Want to get involved?
To enter a scarecrow or learn more, visit the Facebook page or e-mail hello@pudseyscarecrowfestival.co.uk.
This year, organisers are asking for scarecrow application forms to be submitted by 22 August, with displays ready by 7 September.
Last year’s festival raised an impressive £500, which was donated to support the Pudsey Parish Church Clocktower appeal — a huge thank you to everyone who contributed!
For 2025, funds raised will go to support the Boys Brigade troop at St Mark’s, Swinnow, helping to nurture the next generation of community heroes.
If you’re interested in helping out or joining the organising team (fondly known as the “Scarecrow Squad”), you’re warmly invited to drop organisers an email.
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The police probably ignored 2 calls for burglery etc while making that.