Updated for 2024! The weather is closing in for the autumn and our thoughts turn to Events this autumn in the North West. Most of the Sunflower Fields are coming to an end now so it is the turn of the Scarecrow Festivals and Trails and also Pumpkin Picking (Post coming soon).
It seems that a lot of annual scarecrow festival events aren’t happening this year but there are still plenty to visit.
What happens at a Scarecrow Festival?
There are 2 ways to enjoy a Scarecrow Festival – Either as a spectator, walking around to find the best ones on display or as an entrant. I have listed which scarecrow events are open to entries below.
Many take place over a number of days, with some festivals having a special event where they incorporate their harvest festival, pumpkin painting and occasionally free hayrides.
Many scarecrow contest events now happen earlier in the year so I will publish another guide for Where to find Scarecrows in the Spring but for now we are focusing on Scarecrow trails that are happening from mid September and including the month of October 2023.
I have tried to list the scarecrow events in date order. As with all my posts, if you know of an event that I have not list here, please feel free to let me know and I will add it to the list.
North West Scarecrow Festivals 2024
Warrington Scarecrow Festival
Saturday 12th October 2024
10am – 4pm
Saint Philip Westbrook, 301-302 Westbrook Centre
Warrington Scarecrow Festival Facebook Page
Entries now closed to participants.
Craft market with craft vendors also available at St Philip Westbrook 10am-4pm. A map is available to help you find your way around all the scarecrows and decide on your favorite scarecrow around the parish.
St Philips Parish covers Westbrook, Callands, Kingswood, Old Hall, Omega development, Burtonwood Road Thatched Cottage estate.
Helmshore Scarecrow Trail
Rossendale, Lancashire
Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October 2024
Helmshore Scarecrow Trail Facebook Page
Register to enter a scarecrow at Neary’s General Store or DM via Facebook Page.
Registration fee £3.
Trail map available for scarecrow route.
Ferndale Scarecrow Hunt
Saturday 26th October 2024
10.30am – 6pm.
Ferndale Scarecrow Hunt Facebook Group
Discover over 30 Scarecrows on the Fernhurst and Oakkdale estates in Blackburn, Lancashire.
Raising money for Secret Santa and the Royal British Legion.
Broughton Scarecrow Festival
Monday 21st October to Friday 25th October 2024
Prizes available for:
– Best Residential
– Best Business
– Peoples Favourite
To enter, please email clerk@broughtonparishcouncil.org.uk
Winners to be announced Saturday 26th October 2024
For more details visit the Broughton Parish Council Website
Little Lever and Darcy Lever Scarecrow Festival
Saturday 5th October – Saturday 13th October 2023
11am-3pm
Little Lever Scarecrow Festival Facebook Page
ScarecrowFestivalLLandDL@gmail.com
Rufford Old Hall, National Trust
Monday 14th October to Wednesday 30th November 2024 (Half Term)
10.30am – 4.30pm
No booking required
200 Liverpool Rd, Rufford, Ormskirk L40 1SG
Rufford Scarecrow Festival 2023 Details
Theme: Creators and Inventors
You can either go to view the scarecrow trail or submit an entry at this festival. Scarecrows will be available
To enter a scarecrow (Team or Individual entries allowed) email ruffordoldhall@nationaltrust.org.uk (Limited places available, please enter early)
The scarecrows need to be completed/assembled and delivered to Rufford Old Hall from 10-12 October. They will be installed in the garden by 13 October.
National Trust will provide stakes if requested when scarecrow is registered.
Do I have to be a member to visit Rufford Old Hall, National Trust property?
No, the trail will be free for National Trust members but there will be a charge for non-members.
Rainhill Scarecrow Festival
Rainhill Scarecrow Festival was held really early this year in September. They’ve promised they will be back for 2025. If you live nearby consider, entering as there are always tons of prizes!
A free community event for the whole family across the area of Rainhill, Merseyside.
07731 951632
Wardle Scarecrow Festival, Rochdale
Again, this event took place very early during August Bank Holiday 2024.
Clayton-le-Woods Scarecrow Festival
Sadly, Clayton-le-Woods Scarecrow Festival is not taking place in 2024.
Clayton-le-woods Scarecrow Festival Website
Helen is a family and lifestyle blogger, writing about her experiences of bringing up 3 girls. For more information about the Costello Family and the services they can offer visit the Work With Us page
Littleborough Scarecrow Festival
September 2024
Community scarecrow competition and trail to raise money for Springhill Hospice, Littleborough, Greater Manchester.
https://www.facebook.com/LittleboroughScarecrow
littleboroughscarecrow@hotmail.com
Free to enter your own scarecrow by completing this form.
Small prize available for the winning scarecrow.
The following areas are eligible to enter:
Bents Farm, Blackstone Edge, Calderbrook / Stansfield, Central Dearnley, Lakeside, Riverstone Bridge, Shore, Smithy Bridge.
Maps (£1 donation) available from 1st October at the following locations:
- King William pub, ShoreSainsburys, Hare Hill Road
- Yankee Heaven, Canal Street
- Cherry Tree Cafe, Inside the coach house
Other North West posts you may find useful
Where to find Sunflower Fields in the North West
Where to buy school shoes near Liverpool
Which Chip Shops in the Lake District are open on Sundays
28 Halloween Events around Manchester
Firework Events in Manchester along with Firework Safety Advice
Pumpkin Picking in the North West
Autumn Posts
Easy no carve pumpkin ideas, especially handy if you Grow your own pumpkins.
Falling in love with yourself this autumn
Pumpkin Parlour at Beckett’s Farm
10 Cosy Movies to watch this Autumn
Seasonal Affective Disorder in Children
Fun Outdoor Activities for Children
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Awww there is one just up near me! I may take a wander up there when it’s on and check it out! I always seem to drive past scarecrows but never realise there is an actual event on for them, but will make an effort now. The North West is ace! S x
I really do need to check out the Helmshore Scarecrow festival, it’s only up the road… I have no excuse! Some really lovely events going on around the North West that are worth checking out! 🙂