Scarecrows first came to Kettlewell in 1994 when a fund raising event was organised for the local school which serves much of Upper Wharfedale with its villages, isolated hamlets and remote farms. The enthusiastic response of parents and residents led to over 100 scarecrows appearing in gardens,openspaces, hidden corners and even on rooftops. The event was successfully repeated and, growing year by year, now attracts thousands of visitors over nine days in August.
Since 1998, the Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival has been organised on behalf of St. Mary’s Parish Church, Kettlewell Village Hall and the original beneficiary – the school. A small committee leads the way, but the whole community responds magnificently; making and renovating scarecrows, preparing and serving delicious home made produce to feed the many visitors, and organising parking and traffic.
Kettlewell is a delightful village, attractive, interesting, and ideally situated in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
