THE 'Gallybaggers' will be back looking as creative as ever when the biannual Gatcombe and Chillerton Scarecrow Festival returns next month.

As ever, there is sure to be another eye-catching and characterful display of scarecrows — known colloquially across the Isle of Wight as gallybaggers — for the award-winning festival, which takes place between May 25 and June 1.

The scarecrows — often created with a topical theme — can be found throughout the village, in front gardens and decorating local buildings, during the week.

Find out more about the Chillerton and Gatcombe Scarecrow Festival 2024

For further information visit www.gallybagger.org.uk

Not only that, The Galleybagger Inn will be providing plenty of live musical entertainment, courtesy of festival organisers, Chillerton and Gatcombe Community Association.

On Saturday, May 25, 2nd TA, Atomic, Steve Love, Left School and Feck will perform, while Wight Ukers, Ross Westrop, The Messed Up Plucker and Fling, featuring David Thorpe, take centre stage on Sunday, May 26.

Then on the final day of the festival, The Watch, Outside the Tent, Clear the Beach, The Seashells and Mojo Filter will play. 

The festival has been running biannually since 2010 — staged by the villages of Chillerton and Gatcombe for the enjoyment of Islanders and visitors over the half-term break.

"Many of the villages' households make gallybaggers and display them in and around their gardens. We usually have about a hundred, so there is a lot to see," said festival organiser Steve Hoyle.

"Many of the villagers get involved — and even those not displaying scarecrows will help by making cakes, or serve cakes and refreshments, in Aunt Sally's Tea Room at the village hall and at The Gallybagger Inn, which runs as a local pub."

Isle of Wight County Press: There are many humourous gallybaggers around the villages.There are many humourous gallybaggers around the villages. (Image: Chillerton and Gatcombe Community Association)

Isle of Wight County Press: The long, straw-filled arm of the law.The long, straw-filled arm of the law. (Image: Chillerton and Gatcombe Community Association)

Chillerton and Gatcombe Community Association is a charity responsible for running the two facilities in Chillerton, which provides entertainment and activities all year round for villagers and anyone outside Chillerton wishing to join in the many events and activities there.

Festival proceeds will go to local causes, including the upkeep of the village hall and St Olave's Church, Gatcombe.

"The key to the whole thing is the local community putting so much into the scarecrows," Steve adds.