FINAL preparations are underway for a popular annual event in Belbroughton which is expected to attract thousands.

The village's 18th scarecrow festival is being held this weekend, September 27 to 28.

This year's theme is Movies' Greatest Heroes and Villains, and villagers are again preparing to line the streets with their straw stuffed creations.

Scarecrows are expected to be on display in gardens, rooftops, on the village green, hedges and hanging off lampposts.

Organisers are promising something for everyone as the event features a farmers' market, classic cars and motorbikes, a craft fair, a model steam train and face painting.

This year more than £15,000 has been spent on entertainment which is free to all wearing a valid wrist band that can be purchased at one of the gates to the three arenas at the Recreation Centre and Belbroughton Primary School.

On the afternoon of both days, there will be an aerobatic performance of stunts by Rich Goodwin, designed to wow the spectators.

At the school there is a range of refreshments available as well as craft stalls and trade stands. At Holy Trinity Church, visitors can join in bell ringing, take a tower tour and climb the 69 steps to the top to enjoy views over the whole village.

There will also be an exhibition, floral displays, a performance by Holy Trinity Junior Musicians and organ recitals.

The festival raises money for local charities. Among those benefitting this year are Belbroughton CE Church, the primary school, the Recreation Centre, cricket club and animal sanctuary.

Last year's event attracted 22,000 visitors, and it is hoped that number can be at least matched this year.

Event organiser and chairman Ian Pemberton said: “There really is something for everyone to enjoy and we are looking forward to welcoming all our visitors again.

"The festival has been made possible because of help from the many volunteers – without them we could not stage the event. We’d like to thank all of them for their hard work.

"It’s great to see such enthusiasm from the committee members who have been involved for many years as well as the fresh new talent that has joined the team this year.”

Gates open at 10.30am.

Entrance costs £5 for adults and children, £3 for elderly residents, while a family ticket costs £20. Car parking is free.

For more details visit belbroughtonscarecrow.co.uk.