The annual Torteval Scarecrow Festival is set to return at the end of the month, on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, from 10am to 5pm each day.
Now in its 23rd year, the fun family event – originally designed as a fundraiser for Torteval Parish Church – has grown to be one of the main events of Guernsey’s summer calendar.
Starting from the church, islanders are invited to walk the 90-minute scarecrow trail.
With anyone now invited to enter a scarecrow, the event attracts thousands of visitors and raises funds for charities across the island.
‘The inclusion of island-wide entries for groups, individuals, pre-schools and schools has been a great success,’ said organiser Sue Brooks.
‘It’s hoped that these entries, alongside the scarecrows entered by our regular Torteval parishioners, will make another fantastic display this year.
‘I’m looking forward to my 23rd event. It means a lot to me, as it was my idea originally, and I love to see people enjoying themselves. We have a good number of scarecrows entered so far, but there’s still time to enter.’
The closing date for entries is 16 July. Scarecrows will need to set the bar ablaze this year, as chief fire officer Les Britzman will be the judge. He will bring a fire engine to visit on Saturday, and vintage tractors will arrive on Sunday. Refreshments – including a licensed bar – will be available throughout the weekend.
Last year, almost £4,000 was raised in parking donations, and the festival raised a further £10,000 for its five main beneficiaries. This year, Guernsey Victim Support and Bright Beginnings will be collecting donations in the car park, and the main nominated charities are the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation, the Fire Service Benevolent Fund and Le Murier Village.
Mrs Brooks is calling for as many helpers as possible – particularly for the bouncy castle.
‘These large events take an enormous amount of effort to stage and we’re always glad of volunteers for car parking, stalls, activities, catering and so on,’ she said.
‘We also need lots of cakes. These can be donated or ingredients can be provided for batch-baking. It’s hard work in the week prior to the event and in the taking down afterwards. We do hope that people will come forward to help us – even for an hour. Many hands make light work and it’s great fun, too.’
Those looking to enter or volunteer can email Mrs Brooks at susan_brooks@cwgsy.net.
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