The Gatcombe and Chillerton Gallybagger Festival

Hooray! We're doing it again. Here are the dates for 2026:-
Saturday 23rd May - Sunday 31st May.

The Chillerton & Gatcombe Community Association are pleased to confirm that there will once again be a village scarecrow festival this year due to several local volunteers already stepping forward, however we need more and as many of YOU as possible to participate and help make the event fantastic and the talking point of the Island once again.

There will be an initial meeting of volunteers to start organising who is available and doing what On Tuesday 25th November at the village hall starting at 7pm – all welcome to attend.

We are planning on opening the Village Hall each day as Aunt Sally’s Tea rooms from 11am to 4pm for refreshments.

We are also planning on opening the Gallybagger at weekend afternoons from 12 noon and evenings from 7pm. On both Saturdays with live Music subject to confirmation, Monday evening as normal, Thursday (Folk & music night) and Friday (Bingo)

So CAN you help!! .......... Please download and complete the this slip and bring it along or place through the letter Box at the Gallybagger Inn. Alternatively you can Email: Gallybaggerinn@gmail.com

This event has been running biannually since 2010 and is an event that the two villages of Chillerton and Gatcombe put on for the enjoyment of Islanders and visitors over the half term break.

Many of the households make scarecrows or Gallybaggers as we call them and display them in and around their gardens. We usually have about 100 so there is a lot to see.

Many of the villagers get involved, even those not displaying a scarecrows help by making cakes and by serving cakes and refreshments in Aunt Sally�s Tea room at the village hall and the Gallybagger which is licenced and runs as a local pub.

This years event is being coordinated by the Chillerton and Gatcombe Community Association CGCA

They are a charity that has responsibility for the running of the two buildings in Chillerton Village and this provides entertainment and activities all year round both for Villagers and anyone outside the village who wish to come along to the many events and activities, and join in.

In our gallery you can see the entries from previous events.

We will be having a first, second and third award this year that will be decided by a peoples vote. All the scarecrows entering will have a number and you can fill in a voting slip at either Aunt Sally�s tearoom or the Gallybagger.

We hope you can come along and join in the fun!

For more details contact Nigel Phillips on 01983 721382 Email np.cgparish@gmail.com