Scarecrow festival in Swinton

St Margaret’s Parish Church in Swinton is calling on creative villagers, community groups and businesses to produce their own scarecrows based on TV and film characters, with prizes for the best entries in the various categories, including a children’s category.

The scarecrows will be displayed inside and outside of St Margaret’s Church from the morning of Friday, September 25 to the afternoon of Sunday, September 27.

The church will be open for refreshments all weekend and there will also be an exhibition of Swinton Life through the ages.

The highlight of the festival will be a traditional town fair on the vicarage field on the Saturday afternoon, including a range of stalls and activities for the whole family.

There are still a number of pitches for stalls available which are free for non-commercial organisations.

Another feature of the festival will be a barn dance with live band on the Friday evening.

Fr Chris Brading, the curate of St Margaret’s Church and chairman of the organising committee, said: “We are looking forward to hosting Swinton’s first Scarecrow Festival and have been encouraged by the interest and support we have received from local businesses and organisations.

“But it is not too late for people to get involved — we are still looking for more stalls and of course more scarecrow entries.

“The weekend promises to be a great community event, with fun for all the family.”

More details on the Swinton Scarecrow Festival, including how to book a stall, and enter a scarecrow can be found at the St Margaret’s Website at www.stmargaretswinton.uk.