The Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival – in pictures

Every summer, the village of Kettlewell, tucked away in the Yorkshire Dales, turns into an open-air gallery where scarecrows compete with each other in imagination. The festival, which lasts two weeks, draws visitors from across the region and beyond, eager to see creations that are often humorous, sometimes surreal, but always inventive. Since its modest beginnings in 1994, the event has grown in scale, becoming a must-see on the English rural calendar.

The initiative began as a fundraiser for the village primary school. At the time, a few parents had the idea of making scarecrows to liven up the streets and attract donations. Success was immediate, and the festival has since become more professional, with an annual theme that changes each edition. Participants – whether residents, shopkeepers, or amateur artists – turn recycled materials into colourful characters, often inspired by current events, pop culture, or local heritage.

The event also has a significant economic impact on this small community. Visitors flock by the hundreds, filling cafés and shops, while festival profits go back to local charities, especially the school that started it all. A venture that combines creativity and solidarity, and has earned Kettlewell regional and even national recognition.

Although specific dates for the 2026 edition were not detailed in our source, the festival continues a tradition that celebrates popular ingenuity. For those unable to attend, a photo gallery published by our colleagues at The Guardian offers a glimpse of the displayed works, capturing the playful and communal spirit of the event. A fine illustration of how art, even in its most ephemeral form, can bring a community together.

---

Written by the ADM desk based on The Guardian — Art. Read the original article for the full story.