THE organisers of Belbroughton Scarecrow Festival have thanked visitors who turned out for the annual wurzel-themed weekend despite the downpours.

The north Worcestershire village was awash with an array of imaginative straw-stuffed creations over the weekend (Saturday September 21 and Sunday September 22).

Inspired by characters from films, literature and history – there was no shortage of creativity on show at the festival, now in its 28th year.

Rosettes were given out for the best scarecrows on display – with a large straw-sculpture inspired by the Guess How Much I Love You tale in Hartle Lane voted overall winner.

Scenes from The Goonies (hay you guys!), Gladiator, Dirty Dancing, Jaws, Harry Potter and the moon landings – complete with sound in some cases - were also depicted.

Some of the many imaginative wurzels in this year's Belbroughton Scarecrow FestivalSome of the many imaginative wurzels in this year's Belbroughton Scarecrow Festival (Image: Bev Holder / Newsquest)

There were also straw-stuffed depictions of sporting stars, politicians, singers and TV favourites including Del Boy and Rodney from Only Fools and Horses and Basil Fawlty from Fawlty Towers.

The event also included stalls, food and drinks and fun for all the family including games, a miniature steam train, inflatables and rides, facepainting, performances and a DJ.

Taking to Facebook to thank visitors for turning out especially in the rain, the Belbroughton Scarecrow Festival committee said an “enormous thanks” to everyone who attended.

The committee added: “We really appreciate people spending their day with us and their invaluable contribution to keeping us going.”

The organisers added their thanks for the positive feedback received after a number of social media comments about the £20 fee to park which some Facebook posters said had put them off attending.

Car parking at Belbroughton Scarecrow FestivalCar parking at Belbroughton Scarecrow Festival (Image: Bev Holder / Newsquest)

The committee, however, said the event costs an enormous amount to organise.

In a post about police attending due to motorists parking “dangerously on Hartle Lane” rather than using the festival car parks – the committee said the parking fee is “the way we raise money for the numerous good causes and charities we pay”.

The post added: “Quite simply if we don't apply a charge we cannot afford to put the festival on in the way it is. Over the years it has gotten slightly bigger each time and we have to accommodate for that. It has been very successful and the vast majority are happy to pay knowing where the money goes.”