Two villages in West Dorset have seen a triumphant return of their scarecrow festival.

The festival, which takes place across Loders and Uploders, has returned with The Loders and Uploders Scarecrow Circus Festival, which began on Sunday, May 21 and continues until Sunday, June 11.

Circus-themed scarecrows can be seen scattered across the villages, and people had the opportunity to vote for their favourite.

Jo Saker, one of the event’s organisers, said: “This year was exceptional and full of surprises. We also had many new entries which was fantastic.

"It's a bit of fun, from the simplest to the most complicated everyone creates something unique and every year the number of entries goes up.

“Some enthusiasts even start planning nearly a year ahead from when the new theme is announced others get busy the weekend before, either way the village is a hive of activity leading up to show time. Somehow magic happens and we have a festival.”

This year’s winners were crowned as magic-duo Alphonso and Tallulah,and Alphonso can be seen sawing his assistant in half.

Jo said: “The scarecrows are voted for as part of the festival and there is always a winner but it's the taking part that counts. The prize giving at The Crown is always well attended and this year’s winner Alphonso and Tallulah was well deserved.

“We do a little showcase of the year's scarecrows at The Loders Fete (the first Saturday in August) and ask people to vote for the following festival's theme. They have a choice of three and the most popular wins.

“The festival never disappoints; we always panic that people might not have the time or the energy but every year we are amazed by the commitment and creativity.

"This year we think the circus theme was one of the best so far, really positive and fun. It helped that the sun shone for most of the three weeks too.”

Jo wanted to extend her thanks to everyone who took part in and visited The Loders & Uploders Circus Festival. 

“We have had so many thankyous and positive messages - it makes it all worthwhile.

“The annual Scarecrow Festival is now a village tradition and has become a date in the villages diary. We even managed a pared down version during Covid as it was important to still put on a show and put smiles on our faces.

“It really brings the community together. It's great for those who live here but it also helps support the two local pubs The Crown and The Loders Arms, and The Chapel in Uploders who all keep us and visitors fed and water on the Scarecrow trail.”