One of Lancashire’s most popular annual events, the Garstang Scarecrow Festival, has been cancelled this year.

The festival began in 2019 and is loved by both locals and visitors who travel to Garstang in their thousands to enjoy the many creative displays that pop up in people’s gardens and at businesses and public spaces around the town.

Many families also look forward to the family funfair, with music, food, and activities for children, with entries and prizes for various groups and categories, and has grown into a beloved community celebration.

placeholder image — An Oompa Lumpa scarecrow | submit

The Garstang Scarecrow Festival was next scheduled for July 3-5, 2026, with the theme of "Sport". However, organisers say the event will no longer go ahead.

Announcing the cancellation on Facebook, they said: “Unfortunately, we have had to make the very difficult decision to cancel the 2026 Garstang Scarecrow Festival.

“We know this will be a big disappointment to many, and for that we sincerely apologise.

Aunt Sally and Worzel Gummage were a popular duo at the Festival.

“We are a very small committee of just four volunteers, all of whom work full time. Recently, increased work commitments,including more time spent working away, have made it virtually impossible to dedicate the time needed to plan and deliver the festival to the standard it deserves.

“Please accept our apologies once again. However, we do hope to bring you the Garstang Santa Dash later in the year, and we look forward to sharing more details about that soon.

“Thank you, as always, for your understanding and continued support.”