Belbroughton Scarecrow Festival cancelled after being hit by 'financial problems'

The event, which sees an abundance of handmade scarecrows dotted across the village, raises money for various charities and attracts up to 30,000 people from all across the nation.

Last year it was named the best event of its kind in the UK, but just this week organisers announced it had been cancelled.

In a statement on its website organisers said: "On behalf of the Scarecrow Committee, it is with regret that I have to inform you that this year's Scarecrow Festival is looking unlikely.

"Whilst we understand that this will be a huge disappointment to our community the hope is that we can come back with a festival in 2019.

"We have earmarked the 21/22nd September 2019 as an option. However for this to happen we require more backing and support from the village to ensure that our community assets continue to benefit from this fantastic long standing event."

An email address chair@belbroughtonscarecrow.co.uk was included in case anyone had any comments, suggestions or ideas.

Later, the festival's Facebook page then uploaded a photo featuring the words 'Sorry, the 2018 event has been cancelled. We will be back in 2019'.

Comments on Facebook ranged from sympathetic, to critical of the festival committee's decision.

Emma Sadler said: "Maybe if you explained on the Facebook post why its been cancelled people would react better.

"It's a large event which a lot of people enjoy going to. People would appreciate the reason."

Dan White added: "We travel from Northamptonshire to visit the festival. Sorry to hear is not on this year but we look forward to attending in 2019.

"You have a brilliant event that you should be truly proud of. It must take a huge amount of organisation and dedication by the committee. Well done team Belbroughton."

And Sarahjane Leneghan said: "Oh no, was looking forward to this, mind you went last year and wasn't that good tbh. Wet field didn't help. Onwards and upwards for next year."