EVEN the rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the Pewsey Scarecrow Festival last bank holiday weekend as hundreds turned up to see the straw creations.

Around 45 scarecrows with the theme of music artists were made by villagers and people from further afar and displayed in Coopers Field.

Organising the event in memory of their father and grandfather was mother and daughter Carol and Hannah Parsons.

It is the third year that the pair have run the event together after Clifford Goldsworthy passed away after serving as president of the carnival committee.

An award which has taken his nickname, the Cosser memorial cup, will be given the scarecrow which was voted the best by festival goers.

Mrs Parsons said: “The weekend went very well and we were very happy with the amount of people who came out.

“Of course numbers were down a bit on Sunday as it poured down with rain, but we still saw a few brave souls come and take part.

“We gave them free hot drinks to thank them for their support in such bad weather.

“I was really impressed with the quality of the scarecrows, and the people’s favourite will be announced at the end of the carnival.

“Who ever made that scarecrow will be presented with the Cossor Memorial Cup.

“My dad would have been really impressed with the creativity of the scarecrows this year, and since it is only our third year running this event, he would be so pleased at how well it has grown.”

After such a successful year, the mother and daughter duo are already planning next year’s event.

Mrs Parsons said: “Next year’s theme will be Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Hannah already has a spreadsheet with entries on.

“The scarecrow festival really does bring the village together, there was a great atmosphere and many people stopped to have a chat and a catch up with villagers who they haven’t seen for a while.

“There were people from further afar who also joined in, which was great and showed just how the festival has grown.

“It’s also great to get the whole family involved, there were lots of different generations taking part, there is something for everyone.

“We had a children’s quiz as well for the younger ones who may not have known who all the scarecrows were.

"A huge thank you to everyone who supported this weekend's scarecrow festival.

"It was great to see so many families wandering around Pewsey. Special thanks go to everyone at the Coopers Arms for making us so welcome, to the scarecrow makers for their wonderful creations and to the volunteers."