A SCARECROW festival struck a chord with villagers and visitors.

More than 70 creations, on a music theme, could be spotted around Cullingworth.

Elton John rubbed shoulders with the likes of Freddie Mercury and Ed Sheeran.

Organisers of the annual festival, held over the August bank holiday weekend, said they were delighted with the turnout.

And the event – now in its 19th year – once again raised money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands.

With some money still to come in, it’s hoped each charity will receive at least £500.

As with last year’s event, some measures were in place due to the pandemic.

Rosemary Spencer, for the organising committee, said: “For the 2020 festival we made adjustments due to Covid – for example we only had outdoor stalls and for the first time we held the event over four days, to help spread out visitors.

“As these measures proved to work well, we did the same again – although this year the Methodist Church was able to reopen to provide indoor refreshments.

“We had outdoor refreshments at our house – with new and returning customers – and we sold out of ice creams on the Saturday and had to restock! The tombola was also as popular as ever.

“Fortunately the weather held out and was kind to us.

“The committee would like to thank all the scarecrow makers, stall holders, everybody who came along and everyone who donated, for their support.

“This year we also had street co-ordinators who posted entry forms and then persuaded their neighbours to take part!

“Some are already talking about next year. The committee will meet in the new year to discuss the theme for 2022.”

Since the festival was founded, it has attracted many visitors from across a wide area and coined-in thousands of pounds for charity.

Both Sue Ryder and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance have been hit hard by the impact of the pandemic.