Entries open for fifth Scarecrow Festival

After last year’s successful festival saw a host of straw-stuffed Olympians show off their sporting prowess in the town centre, this year’s event will enjoy a comical theme.

Cllr Richard Jessop, from the Battle Scarecrow Festival Committee, said: “The theme is to be Comic Characters and our chosen charity is Autism Sussex which is based in Battle and helps our residents who have learning disabilities and Asperger’s.

“We are hoping to provide them with an electronic white board to be used in their ground floor meeting room so benefitting those in our immediate area.”

This year’s festival will take place between July 1-20.

Businesses, community groups and individuals in and around Battle, who have taken part in previous festivals, have been approached and asked if they wished to participate again.

The fee is £5 per scarecrow or for a small group of scarecrows displaying one title.

The application form will be sent out in the next week and will need to be returned with the £5 payable to Battle and District Chamber of Commerce, which will be looking after the organising committee’s finances.

Stakes will be provided around the town for entries to be fixed to.

Scarecrows will also be on display in shop windows in and around the High Street.

Scarecrows will be judged and prizes awarded.

Cllr Jessop added: “Please consider which Comic Character you would like to display to brighten up our town.

“And if you know of someone who has expressed an interest in making a scarecrow, please let me know.

“Naturally, it would be really helpful if you could let me know if you intend to join in our fun summer!”

Further details and a full list of entrants will be available nearer the time.