The village of Wetwang is gearing up for the return of its much-loved scarecrow festival, with this year’s edition taking place from Thursday 29th May to Sunday 1st June. What began as a small community effort has grown into a regional attraction, drawing thousands of visitors to the East Riding each year.
Organisers have announced that the theme for 2025 will be “Famous Yorkshire People and Places”, with residents invited to create scarecrows inspired by everything from historic figures to beloved local landmarks. The result is expected to be a colourful, humorous and distinctly Yorkshire mix of characters lining the village’s streets.
An estimated 40 to 50 scarecrows will be dotted throughout Wetwang, with local homes, gardens and public spaces transformed into part of the walking trail. Visitors will be encouraged to explore the village, vote for their favourite display, and take part in the informal judging that has become a popular part of the tradition.
The event is also a fundraiser, helping support the upkeep of the village hall and other community projects. While entry is free, donation boxes are placed throughout the route, and contributions are warmly encouraged.
Organisers say the festival is about more than just spectacle—it’s a chance to bring people together. “It’s not just the creativity that makes this special,” said one volunteer, “but the way it pulls in families, neighbours, and people who haven’t seen each other in months.”
The event typically attracts between two and three thousand visitors over the weekend, with local businesses and stalls seeing a welcome boost in footfall. Cafés, pubs, and shops will be open as usual, and many plan to get involved with themed displays of their own.
For Beverley residents, it’s a short journey to one of the most original and cheerful events on the local calendar. If you’re looking for something both quirky and community-driven to round out May, Wetwang’s annual celebration of straw and spirit might be just the thing.
Official website https://www.wetwang.org.uk/wetwang-scarecrow-festival/