AN East Lancashire village is hosting a bigger and better Scarecrow Festival this year.

Normally scheduled for the end of June this year’s event in Belmont has been brought forward to coincide with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on Thursday, June 2.

The scarecrows should be out, weather permitting, on either Monday or Tuesday.

The festival was the brainchild of Rosemary Newman, who was chair of the Belmont Village Resident’s Association, but sadly passed away earlier this year.

In memory of Rosemary, a handcrafted trophy will be awarded for the best display in the village. This will become an annual presentation.

Local village policeman, Ryan, will be the judge this year.

Margaret and Mike Phillips ‘ran’ with Rosemary’s idea during the Covid-19 pandemic and began to put out their own displays at the front of their bungalow.

Lancashire Telegraph:

They started with a shepherd, sheepdog and a flock of sheep. Much to the amazement of the village she changed the displays on a monthly basis.

Lynne Sumpter, who is a fellow committee member with Margaret, said “Margaret and Mike kept everybody going during Covid.

They were inspirational and brought about a real sense of community. Other villagers started to make and display their own creations. We also held some craft workshops making scarecrows at the church with the local schoolchildren”.

There will be an events programme with a map included of the village and exhibitors highlighted.

Events begin on June 2 with an oak sapling planting ceremony at 10.30 am. Edna Aspden will do the honours on behalf of the village.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Edna is born and bred in Belmont and works tirelessly for church and village. A light lunch will follow at the church with a tombola and an appearance by clog dancers Lancashire Walloppers.

Saturday 4th June sees a historical walk round Belmont at 2 pm followed by a barbecue outside the church at 3.30 pm.

The main event is on June 5 on The Moss at the end of Ryecroft Lane with an open-air church service at 12.30pm.

Festivities then begin with entertainment, children’s games, a tug of war, stalls and a tombola.

The Women’s Institute will have a stand along with Gardeners and Growers, History Society, Mother’s Union and Belmont Sailing Club.

The Black Dog Inn is also putting on a bar.