Lubenham Scarecrow Festival weekend raises a record amount for 11 local good causes

The two-day rustic September spectacular has made £8,400 after thousands of visitors poured into the picturesque village from all over the East Midlands.

Michael Weedon, a member of the organising committee, said: “This is certainly the most money we’ve ever handed out in one go!

“It really was a bumper year.

“Every one of us is thrilled to be able to give away so much cash to so many excellent local groups.”

The retail expert said they had given a huge shot in the arm to the air cadets, village church, green, school, newsletter, Scouts and playing fields as well as others.

“We have made every penny from the two days that we stage the festival.

“We have three tractor drivers who just ferry people and their children for rides all over Lubenham all weekend,” said Michael.

“We hold raffles, run lots of stalls and do no end of other things to fill the pot.

“A massive chunk of the village gets involved every year.

“Last year we had about 180 scarecrows put out to put a smile on people’s faces.

“There was a scarecrow in every single street in Lubenham – that’s incredible.

“Even some of the new houses that have just been built joined in and made their own scarecrows.

“The whole scarecrow weekend speaks volumes for the soaring community spirit and camaraderie we have here.

“We moved here just eight years ago from Buckinghamshire and I noticed it straight away.

“Lubenham’s a fantastic village and Market Harborough’s a super town to have just up the road.”

He said they are already plotting their 2020 scarecrow extravaganza.

“We’ll hold this year’s festival on September 12 and 13.

“About 12 of us work on it throughout the year and that figure shoots up to about 50 nearer the time,” said Michael.

“The entire scarecrow celebration is a total win win.

“We have a load of fun, it helps bring villagers together, it brings so many visitors into our fine historic village and it raises thousands of pounds.

“As a village Lubenham punches well above its weight – so bring on September and let’s do it all again!”