A POPULAR West Cumbrian scarecrow festival will return this weekend promising to bring some 'great family fun' to villages in the area.

The Dean Arts and Scarecrow festival started in 2010 and is a biannual event. They already have 73 scarecrow entries for the 2024 competition in the villages of Dean, Branthwaite, Ullock and Deanscales.

There are a number of activities as well as many scarecrows set to go on display with visitors set to be in for a treat with marvellous displays and creations.

The festival starts at 10am on Saturday May 4 and ends on the Bank Holiday Monday 6.30pm with a closing concert.

Most activities are free including Astral circus shows in the big tent; climbing wall; treasure hunt; drumming workshops; nature trail; Alpacas; and many more.

There are lots of different events throughout the villages and teas are served in the Kirkstile Community Centre Dean, Ullock Village Hall, Dean School and on Deanscales Village green.

The festival receives funding from Potato Pot Wind Farm Limited but further donations are always gratefully accepted.

Event organiser Sybil Worsley said: “We are hoping for the sun to shine and for lots of visitors, there is so much to see and do, it’s a great family festival.”

See the website for further details on events www.deankirkstilehall.org.uk