Uffington’s beloved Scarecrow Festival has been a staple of village life for nearly two decades, drawing thousands of visitors each year. But where did it all begin? In a recent conversation with village stalwart, Vanessa Kimberley, at The Bertie Arms, Mr Edward Priestley, one of the original instigators of the event, shared the fascinating story of how Uffington’s Scarecrow Festival came to life.
Inspired by a similar festival in Yorkshire, Mr Priestley brought the idea to Uffington around 2002 or 2003. What started as a handful of simple scarecrows displayed in gardens has grown into a major community event, with thousands of attendees and an evolving programme of activities.
While early festivals included competitions, they never quite took off—but the recent return of the ever-popular dog show has added to the festival’s appeal. Over the years, the event has raised substantial funds for the village hall and church, with the first festival alone generating between £2,000 and £3,000.
Mr Priestley fondly recalled making his own scarecrows, with his personal favourite being a Swiss-themed display featuring a wheel of Gouda cheese and a mouse that had nibbled through it, which won first prize in a competition judged by Miranda Rock of Burghley House.
The festival has been lucky with the weather, often enjoying dry conditions over the May Bank Holiday weekend. It now attracts around 5,000 visitors, with car parks filling up to five times over the weekend. The buzz and atmosphere remain the festival’s biggest draw, and in years past, lucky attendees have even witnessed thrilling flyovers by the Queen’s Memorial Flight, thanks to village connections with the pilots.
As for advice on making a scarecrow? Mr Priestley suggests that creativity is key, noting that many of the most impressive scarecrows have been crafted by the talented women of the village!
With excitement building for this year’s event, the Scarecrow Festival continues to be a wonderful celebration of community spirit, tradition, and fun.
Click here to listen to the full interview.
🌾🎭 Mark your calendars for this year’s Uffington Scarecrow Festival — 4 & 5 May, May Bank Holiday Weekend! 🎭🌾
