The Harpole Scarecrow Festival was started in 1997 in order to raise funds for All Saints Church in Harpole. The continued success of this event has helped to raise money that has been used to fund several church projects and repairs over its 24-year history.
 
This event is an annual highlight for residents, for neighbouring villages and for those who travel from far and wide every year to participate.

The scarecrows on show are not run of the mill scarecrows, they are not standing in fields scaring birds, they are placed strategically around the village, in gardens, in streets and green spaces. They are not wearing checked shirts and straw hats, they are dressed as heroes, film stars, singers, TV characters and mythical creatures. They are a sight to behold, so clever.

It is so much fun to turn a corner to be faced with Freddy Mercury and Brian knocking at a neighbour’s door. 

This festival has grown significantly since it began in 1997. In addition to the scarecrows, it now boasts a vast array of stalls selling local wares, food vendors and has a programme of shows and exhibitions by local businesses.

Many of us have visited this festival regularly over the years and for us it holds many fond memories of family days out. For others who are not as familiar with the area, this was their first experience and they loved it. 

The village of Harpole is beautiful, a true rural idle. The thatched cottages and stone brick houses are a gentle reminder of a bygone age, they provide a sense of history, of a life very different to the one that we now lead. We had a wonderful time discussing the architecture and taking in view. 

The festival was fabulous, we consider ourselves very fortunate to be in the enviable position of being able to attend events such as this one, it was a wonderful day, the company was fun, the conversation enlightening, and the sun was shining. 

If you haven’t been to the Harpole Scarecrow Festival, I highly recommend that you stop by next year, you won’t regret it. We’ll certainly be there; we are looking forward to it already.