A popular scarecrow trail will return to an East Lancashire town this weekend and it looks like a fantastic day out with the kids.

Helmshore Scarecrow Trail will take place in the community village of Helmshore and gives visitors the chance to take a stroll around the village trying to spot creatively-made scarecrows as they go.

There will also be a host of fun activities and games on throughout the weekend, including a karaoke, scavenger hunts, face painting and more.

Lancashire Telegraph: John Pease and Sue Clark pose with a scarecrow made by Isabakes John Pease and Sue Clark pose with a scarecrow made by Isabakes

Originally launched 15 years ago, the event began to dwindle in popularity before being relaunched by Sue Clark.

Sue, the organiser, has successfully run the event for four years and hopes this one will be bigger and better than ever before.

She said there are over 90 scarecrows on the map this year, adding: “The scarecrows are scattered all around the village for the whole weekend and some into bonfire night – and anything goes really!

“We’ve got Jurassic park themed scarecrows, an Octopus one and my scarecrow is the drunk three amigos”

Sue encouraged people to be on the lookout for one of the previous year’s winners. who made a spider from Harry Potter which was the size of a house.

Lancashire Telegraph: A previous year's winning scarecrowA previous year's winning scarecrow

She added: “It’s a lovely family day out wandering around the village. There are a lot of little pubs and restaurants operating throughout the weekend offering refreshments.

“Some businesses are even hosting quirky events; Haslingden Cricket Club are doing all day karaoke and a scavenger hunt for children.”

Last year they sold 450 maps and managed to raise £2,300 for East Lancashire Down’s Syndrome Group.

This year they are hoping to sell 600 maps and make a lot more money for charity, Milly’s Smiles.

Milly’s Smiles supports families whose child have received a new diagnosis of a cancer related illness. They provide a Milly Bag to help with the first unexpected hospital stay, when families are bewildered and facing a long spell in hospital with their child.

Full list of events happening and services available at the Helmshore Scarecrow Trail:

Haslingden Cricket Club - lots of
Halloween Fun/Karaoke/Scavenger hunt

The Cotton House - Themed Drinks and fun to be had

On the Green near Pearsons - cake and refreshments

Milly's Smiles - Meet the Charity Team

Pretty Flaming Face Painting

St Thomas's Church - open for Refreshments

The Robin Hood - Halloween Party

Holden Arms Pub - Halloween fun and fancy dress in the evening

Station Pub - Live music on the Saturday evening

Mill Cafe - open for refreshments/food

How to get tickets

The Helmshore Scarecrow Trail will run Saturday 30 October and Sunday 31 October in Helmshore Village, Rossendale.

Scarecrow trail maps will be available from Neay's and stall outside all weekend for £3.00.

Neary’s general store, on Helmshore Road, sells the scarecrow registration forms and maps for £3 each.

The winner of the screcrow competition will be announced next weekend.


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