Words & photos: Damon Sugden
Sunday saw crowds flock to both Pudsey Produce and Craft Market and the return of the popular Scarecrow Festival in Pudsey Park.
Having taken a year off for Covid, The Pudsey Scarecrow Festival bounced back with another bumper crop of home-crafted scarecrows.
This year’s theme for the scarecrows was children’s stories and fairy tales.
As well as the community built scarecrows, the event featured food stalls, trade stalls, children’s entertainment and live music.
Hundreds enjoyed following the scarecrow trail around the town; taking in the Parish Church, the Crimbles allotment and amazing displays in people’s gardens and also in local businesses and public buildings.
Pudsey folk love to have a good competition – and there were three prizes up for grabs, generously sponsored by local businesses. The competition was judged again by the team from Pudsey in Bloom, who had the hard task of picking three winners from over 30 stunning entries.
Margaret Lowham, part of the Pudsey in Bloom judging panel said:
“I’ve seen some brilliant scarecrows, there’s been so much effort put into it and it’s been really difficult to judge.”
Congratulations go to the eventual winner Julie Godfrey and family with their scarecrow “Bob the Builder” on The Grove, Lynn and Sheila for second place with “Alice in Wonderland” on Church Lane, and Dawn Seary at Pudsey House for “The Gruffalo”.
All proceeds from the day will go towards supporting the fantastic work of Pudsey in Bloom.
Scarecrow festival organiser Caroline Draper said:
“It’s been spectacular! To look around and see so many people having the best day in our lovely park under perfect blue skies and sunshine, can only be described as a perfect day!”
Scarecrow Squad member Councillor Trish Smith added: “We would like to thank Linley and Simpson (Church Lane) for the sponsorship of the Trail Maps, The Pudsey Dog Park (Roker Lane) for sponsoring the first prize, Ison Harrison (Lidget Hill) for sponsoring the second prize and The Bearded Sailor (Robin Lane) for sponsoring the third prize.
“I would also like to thank Caroline Draper for organising a fantastic community event, Janice Whitehead and First Responders, our hardworking volunteers, Dan and Kate, and our musical entertainers, the Scarecrow builders, all the stall holders and children’s entertainers, and everyone who attended. Pudsey in Bloom will benefit from all your amazing support.”
Here are some more photos of the day:
