A FAMILY possibly descended from the famous Pendle Witches will be taking part in a hospital festival dedicated to the legendary figures.

Stewart Nutter and his family of around 20 are celebrating son James’s birthday by taking part in a sponsored walk at Pendleside Hospice's Witch Festival.

The Nutters originally come from the Roughlee area – the same as Alice Nutter - one of the 10 hanged in 1612 for witchcraft.

Before the festival in Barrowford Park on Saturday, September 17, there will be a sponsored walk from the park to either Barley or Roughlee, one being five miles and the other seven.

And the festival itself will host a bid to break the world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as witches – the target is 2,022 to coincide with the year.

The walks set off from Barrowford at 11am and will be marshalled and signposted along the way with QR codes positioned to give historical facts about the locations en route.

Sammi Graham, hospice events head, said: "We are urging as many people as possible to take part in the walk and support it like the Pendle pub walk in the summer.

“The walk involves countryside paths as well as the road so good footwear is essential and unfortunately some of the route won’t be accessible to wheelchairs or prams.”

Stewart, who lives in Burnley, said: “We hope families will support the festival as we are doing. My son James should have celebrated his 30th during the Covid lockdown.

“His 32nd birthday is on the day before the festival so we thought it would be perfect for the family to join together at the festival to celebrate. Some are travelling from as far as London and Scotland so it will be a wonderful day.”

Stewart knows his grandparents farmed land at Noggarth and his father Alan was raised in Thorneyholme Square, close to Roughlee.

The festival kicks off at 1pm and there will be live bands and DJs, refreshment areas and a children’s area with rides.

Samantha Giles - Bernice Blackstock in Emmerdale - is taking part in the world record bid and will be signing copies of her children’s book Rosemary and the Pendle Witches.

Tickets include a witch’s hat, cloak and broomstick, entry to the festival and interactive walk and a medal for taking part.

Sponsor forms and tickets can be obtained online at www.pendleside.org.uk/pendleside-witch-festival