Northern Scythe Festival
One of a series of scythe festivals during 2023, the Northern Scythe Festival celebrates a rural tradition that’s well worth discovering – and Bell Sykes Farm here in Bowland is the perfect spot!
Six unimproved fields at Bell Sykes are Lancashire’s official Coronation Meadows, thanks to the traditional management they have received over decades. Full of yellow rattle, eyebrights, pignut, meadow crane’s-bill, sweet vernal grass, great burnet and more, they are a riot of colour during the summer months.
Participants and competitors are welcome to turn up on either day. Please bring your own refreshments.
Booking is needed for anyone wishing to camp. (Basic camping available Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening at £10 per person per night.) Please book camping places by emailing jim@mcvittie.me.uk
Saturday 1st July – Scything practice, “have a go” sessions, scythe clinic, peening demonstration
Sunday 2nd July – Team mow, scything practice, Northern Scything Championship
Parking for participants and competitors is available at the venue.
Spectators are very welcome on both days but are asked to park in Slaidburn pay & display car park and walk to Bell Sykes farm from the village. As a suggestion, the Bell Sykes Short Hay Meadow Walk route links the village and the farm. (Please note sections of road walking.)
Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
To enquire about availability of disabled parking at Bell Sykes Farm please email: bowland@lancashire.gov.uk
