Pendle Witch walkers bid for world record (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Pendle Witch walkers bid for world record

9:21am Friday 17th August 2012 in News By Chris Gee, Reporter

AN official world record and a £50,000 charity target are the primary aims being ‘spelled out’ by the organisers of tomorrow’s Pendle Witch Walk.

The walk, which is expected to attract more than 2,000 people in witch-themed fancy dress, will coincide with the 400th anniversary of the Pendle Witch Trials.

The event is set to break a world record for the biggest gathering of ‘witches’.

August 18 is when the infamous trials began in Lancaster and the quirky record attempt has been approved by Guinness World Records as officially valid.

The five-mile circular sponsored walk begins in the village of Barley, known as the epicentre of ‘witch country’.

The walkers will head for the summit of Pendle Hill, which for generations has been emblematic of Lancashire and witchcraft, as well as being a site of reverence for Pagans and Quakers.

Simon Tattersall, one of the organisers, said: “We’re hoping for a great event and a truly memorable day. The world record attempt will give everybody’s efforts an undisputable measure of achievement.

“It will bring huge attention to the Pendle, Ribble Valley and Burnley area and our tumultuous history, but more to the point we hope that via their sponsors, walkers will raise in excess of £50,000 for Pendleside Hospice.”

Compere for the event is Ted Robbins, star of Phoenix Nights star and radio presenter, who will welcome walkers and introduce musicl acts during an afternoon “mini-festival” on Barley Green.

He said: “Pendle Witch Walk is set to be a massive event. I’m really looking forward to. It’s a unique way to mark the 400th anniversary of one of the defining moments of Lancashire’s history.”

Events to mark the anniversary

• August 17-19

Capturing Witches: Histories, Stories, Images; Lancaster University conference on witches in history

•  August 18

Launch of the Pendle Sculpture Trial (art inspired by witches)

• August 18

The Big Witch Event including Pendle Witch Walk in aid of Pendleside Hospice

•  August 19

Two part Witches Walk. Part one starts at 10am Barley Car Park. Part two starts at 2pm same place

• August 20

Guided Walk from Pendle Heritage Centre to the site of Malkin Tower
The newly unveiled Alice Nutter sculpture can be seen in the village of Roughlee

• August – November

The Story of the Pendle Witches exhibition at Colne and Barnoldswick libraries

• Until August 22

Living Herbalism Exhibition, Ace Centre, Nelson, medicinal herbs and plants placed in historic context

•  September 1 and 2

Pendle Witches etchings exhibition at Colne Library

• September 1-9

The Pendle Walking Festival (walks with a witch theme)

• Still Taboo Exhibition September 3 -20, Ace Centre, Nelson

Exhibition about what is socially acceptable and why are certain things still taboo
Pendle Heritage Centre, Park Hill, Barrowford
The museum hosts a permanent exhibition about the Pendle witches

• September 1 and 2

International Print Biennial (Pendle’s first print festival, Colne Library)

• September 15-16

Artist Louise Ann Wilson: Ghost Bird; a silent walking installation through The Trough of Bowland

• October 19-21

Pendle’s 29th Open Art Exhibition with children’s witch theme

• October 27                                                                                      

An evening looking at the Pendle Witches with author Christine Goodier

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