What time does the Scarecrow Festival start?
Participants are asked that their scarecrow is displayed by 11am on Sunday 4th August and they will be displayed until 6pm on Sunday 11th August 2024.
Where can I buy the Scarecrow Guide?
Guides are available in various places throughout the village, our main selling point is Heather St John’s Football Club, and the Village Hall but Guides are also available from the Village Shop, Cattows Farm, Lynda’s Garage Sale (on Manor Rd), The Queens Head and The Crown.
Where can I park my car?
Ample free parking is available at Heather St John’s Football Club, and at the Village Hall. We ask all visitors to please park respectfully and avoid parking on footpaths which create problems and hazards for wheelchair users or visitors with pushchairs. Car parks will be locked in the evening so please check the signs at car park entrances to for closing times. The car parks at the both pubs are also private property so please only park there if you are customers.
Are there any public toilets?
Toilet facilities are available at Heather St John’s Football Club everyday during the festival from 10am until 5pm, and also at the Village Hall between 10am-4pm. We would ask that visitors only use the facilities at either of the pubs if you are customers.
Is there a bus service to Heather village?
Unfortunately, there is not a bus service that runs to the village.
Are there any places for refreshments?
Heather St John’s Football Club will be open for food and drinks from 10am-5pm every day during the festival. The Village Hall is also open this year on Sun-Fri where various groups will be hosting the hall and selling refreshments between 10am-4pm.
Are there any picnic areas?
You are welcome to picnic on the recreation ground at the Village Hall the park surrounding the Play Area off Belcher Close, the recreation ground at the bottom of Mill Lane. Sence Valley Forest Park is also close by providing areas for picnicing.
Is the Scarecrow Trail suitable for people with mobility issues?
The scarecrow trail consists of a walk around the village mainly within the residential housing and most scarecrows can be viewed from the pavement. There may be a few scarecrows displayed on Newton Road, part of which has no footpath and would require walking along the road. A couple of the roads Mill Lane and Holyoake Drive have steep gradients which may prove difficult for some visitors, and Station Terrace is an unmade road and the surface treatment here may be difficult to negotiate with a wheelchair.
Will there be anywhere to sit down if I need to feed my baby?
Heather St John’s Football Club will be a café during the festival providing seating and could offer more private facilities if this is required, please speak to Staff for information. Baby changing facilities are also available. The Village Hall will also be available for seating and refreshments during the festival, though food will be limited.
How long does the Scarecrow Trail take?
The suggested circuit is just under 4.5 miles and takes about 2 hours to walk without a break. Most families spend 4 to 5 hours at the event including refreshment breaks.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are more than welcome to join in the fun, but we would ask that they are kept under control, preferably on leads, and owners please pick up and dispose of dog mess responsibly. Unfortunately dogs will not be permitted (unless they are Guide Dogs) inside at Heather St John’s Football Club. Residents often kindly leave water bowls on driveways for visitors with dogs.