Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival 2025

The Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival stands out as one of Yorkshire’s most distinctive annual celebrations, drawing thousands of visitors to this small Dales village each year.

What sets this event apart is its grassroots authenticity – local residents create an impressive array of scarecrow displays throughout their community, transforming gardens, doorways, and street corners into an elaborate outdoor exhibition.

The festival operates around themed trails that guide visitors through the village, where they can discover everything from pop culture references to historical figures, all crafted with remarkable attention to detail and often incorporating clever humor that appeals to both children and adults.

This long-running community initiative has evolved significantly since its modest beginnings as a school fundraiser in the 1990s. Today, the festival attracts media attention from national television and newspapers, while maintaining its original charitable purpose of supporting local institutions.

The event’s appeal lies in its combination of creative ingenuity and village charm – visitors experience something genuinely unique rather than a typical tourist attraction.

Many families make the festival an annual tradition, with some guests spanning multiple generations, testament to the enduring appeal of this creative community celebration set against the backdrop of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.