Welcome to the 5th annual STRAW Scarecrow Festival!

This year the STRAW Scarecrow Festival in 2025 will be held at Haverings Girlguiding Centre from Saturday 27th to Sunday 28th September 2025 10am-4pm.

 

Here's a few answers to some questions you may have:​​

 

Why will this year's scarecrow festival be exclusively at Haverings? 

The areas we had the festival in previous years was quite spread out! It meant some participants' scarecrows didn't have as many visitors as others. Having all scarecrows together in one location means all will be viewed! ​

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If all scarecrows are going to be at Haverings, why are you asking for my address when I register? 

If you're one of the winners, we will deliver your prize / trophy! 

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What are the categories for prizes? Is there a theme? 

There is no theme, your scarecrow can be anything you like! We will have prizes and trophies for 1st second and 3rd places.​ ​

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When can I set my scarecrow up? 
We will have an early set up either Friday evening (weather dependant) or the Saturday morning of the festival. It will be a first come, first served for choosing your scarecrow's spot. You'll be allocated a laminated number for you to pin to you scarecrow, so people know which scarecrow to vote for. 

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Do I have to live in Luton or in one of the previous STRAW areas if I want to make a scarecrow for the festival? 
No you don't! As all scarecrows will be in one place, that means anyone or any business can enter. 

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Where can I get straw from to stuff my scarecrow?
We recommend The Feed Bin in LU2   

http://thefeedbin.freeservers.com/

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How much is the entry?
£2 per adult

£1 for children 

£5 for a family of up to 2 adults and 3 kids.

 

Why are you charging an admission fee?

We are a charity supporter and have fundraised for local charities every year we've run the festival. All our admission fees will go straight towards this year's chosen charity - Girlguiding Luton South Division, who own Haverings activity centre and campsite. Haverings was built in 1970 to serve as a training ground for Luton Guides and since that time has been extended to meet the needs of today's Guides but is also used by Scouts and local schools too. Haverings is surrounded by approximately 8 acres of woodland and field which are used for camps, sleepovers and a host of other outdoor activities.

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Is online voting happening this year?
No. This is to keep voting fair.

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What if I want to vote more than once? 

Yes if you're keen, you can buy extra ballots for £1 each.​

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Is it just Scarecrows?​

There is a lot more going on this year, now we're in one place - there will be a few stalls and refreshments, so make sure you bring some spare cash. ​

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Where can we park?

There is a car park at Havering Activity Centre, Lancing Rd, Luton LU2 8JN, there is also additional parking on Handcross road, but it is limited, so please be considerate of people who live in the area.​

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