Festival is something to crow about

Almost 10,000 people were expected to be walking the lanes of Torteval this weekend for the festival’s 22nd incarnation.

Co-organiser Sue Brooks said the festival hit 50 entries this year with a couple of late submissions.

‘They are all really good indeed,’ she said.

‘I know the judges were very impressed.’

‘The weather has been perfect so far,’ she added on Saturday afternoon.

‘Not quite hot enough to drive everyone to the beach and we have had a steady flow of visitors rather than a sudden rush.

‘I must say a big thank you to the army of organisers, and of course the scarecrow makers themselves.’

The scarecrows were judged this year by prison governor John De Carteret, who even came face-to-face with his own likeness in straw.

First prize went to ‘Buy and Support Local’ by the Markwick family, who impressed the judges with a traditional scarecrow and lifelike chickens.

Proceeds from the event go to local charities. Being helped this year were the brain injury charity, Headway Guernsey, and Jumbulance, which provides holidays for sick and disabled people.

One of the longest-running displays has been a musical offering from the Peace tent, which this year was on the theme of parking.

Its makers, who like to be known as Stretchy and Space, said the recording of the 10 original songs took just two hours.

‘But a lot longer to mix,’ said Stretchy.

‘We start writing as soon as the Chaos festival is over. Sometimes they come quickly, sometimes it takes a bit of time.’

While he writes the songs, his wife makes the display.

‘It’s a real team effort, he said. ‘We love doing it – we wouldn’t do it otherwise.’

Among the crowds was influencer Millie Thomas, who was visiting the island for the first time with friends,

‘We have really enjoyed ourselves,’ she said.

‘There’s a real creative spirit in Guernsey. The scarecrows are on a much larger scale than I was expecting. I’m going to be making it a feature of my TikTok’s from the island.

‘But even if there weren’t scarecrows it would be a beautiful place for a walk.’

Islander Stephanie Ferreira was there with family.

‘It’s a lovely family outdoor day out,’ she said.

‘We’ve been before and I’d say the standard of scarecrow was better than ever. It gives the kids creative ideas for things they can do at home.’

Kevin McNamee was there with his dog Toby, visiting the island from the Netherlands.

‘There’s more effort gone in than I would have thought,’ he said.

‘My favourite was the road diversions scarecrow – it’s been a theme of my holiday.’