The Famous Scarecrow Festival is finally returning to the village of Wray in April & May this year, after being cancelled for two years in a row, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
You can find the festival by popping the postcode LA2 8QL into your sat nav, or just to head Wray Village and follow the signage for parking. (For more help, click here.)
Scarecrows are already beginning to appear around the village, with residents keen for the event’s return, but the official start date for the festival is Saturday 23rd April.
Saturday 23rd April
Commencing the festival, a 10k road race. Organised by Steve Ashcroft, all runners over the age of 15 are welcome to take part. Members of EA-registered clubs received a discounted entry fee of £11.50, but if you don’t belong to a club, it’ll cost you £13.50. You can register online here.
Sunday 24th April
The second day of the festival kicks off with the Bowland Forest Populaire Cycle Event. A 100km race starting and ending in Wray, entry will cost you £5, unless you decide to join on the day, then you’ll expect to be paying £8 on the line. Register here. Sunday 24th also offers a car boot sale, and the knockouts for the festival’s Kids Football Tournament.
Monday 25th April
Week beginning Monday 25th April will see scarecrows everywhere, and we mean EVERYWHERE. The village is transformed into a scarecrow-ridden maze, and some of the creations from residents are unbelievable, with the bird-scaring masterpieces ranging from 40cm tall, to 4 metres high! Taking a wander around the village is therefore always filled with surprises. Pupils of the local primary school can also be seen Maypole Dancing outside of their school at 2:30pm each day of the week.
Friday 29th April
The Friday of the festival is full of exciting events. During the day, you can attend the Codebreaking Sisters’ Book event, held at Bridge House Tearooms, where you can hear the remarkable story of two women during the war, from the sisters themselves! The event begins at 11am and you can bag a spot for the talk and a signed copy for just £10 here. Ending with the Giant scarecrows parade at 6:30pm, led by Batala Samba Reggae Band, the parade starts at Gars End, and finishes at Bridge House Tearooms. Lots of music, a party open to anyone, and prize giving for the best scarecrows follow.
Saturday 30th April
Local History Walks of Wray begin on Saturday 30th, at 10:00 & 14:00, and continue through to Monday 2nd, with the final tour at 10:00. The tours discuss the rich history of Wray Village, including allowing you to, “discover the site of a mysterious death – a mill owner found floating in the very water vaunted to make his fortune”, and also stand in the location of “one of the country’s most sudden and vicious flash floods and learn why a southern sea captain gave £200 forever to the local school.” The tour lasts around 40-60minutes and is led by deeply knowledgeable guides, departing from The George & Dragon pub. A fun fair also runs on Saturday!
Monday 2nd May
Bank Holiday Monday kicks off the actual fair at Wray Scarecrow Festival, with Samba Espirito drums, Croix du Nord Viking Reenactors, and Dog agility, (including have-a-go with your own pups!). Filled full of food and drink stalls, and many musical acts, including vintage vocalist Paula Marie and The Honeybirds.
The fair is held from 10:45am – 4pm. Entry is £8, and includes parking too. All proceeds from programmes sold at the fair go to local charities/groups and are just £3. (For a full list of beneficiaries, and further information about The Wray Scarecrow Festival, click here.)
Will we be seeing you there? ?
