Pendle's witch gathering brings Guinness World Record back to East Lancashire

Pendleside Hospice announced earlier this year that they would be hosting a new event, Pendleside Witchfest, to raise funds for the charity, incorporating a family festival, a witch walk, and a Guinness World record attempt.

Pendleside Hospice and Pendle Council jointly achieved the ‘most people dressed as witches’ Guinness World Record in 2012 on the 400th anniversary of the Witch Trials.

Cruelly, their record was beaten in Spain the following year, as a cool 1,607 people dressed as witches gathered in one place.

Ever since then, the Hospice has wanted to win the record back, for Pendle and for the UK – and on Saturday, they might just have achieved it.

Credit: Pendleside Hospice (Image: Credit: Pendleside Hospice)

For the Guinness World Record count, people attending the Witchfest were required to wear the official outfit provided by Pendleside Hospice and gather in Barrowford Park at 3pm.

A spokesperson for the Hospice said on Sunday that they counted 1,871 people in total – 264 more witches than the current record.

However, this must be officially verified by Guinness World Records, with the Hospice sending in evidence to back up their claim.

It is believed the record will be verified later this week.

In total, around 3,500 people attend the festival, which also saw revellers complete a circular walk, starting at from Barrowford Park at 11am and finishing back at the park.

Following this, a family festival was hosted at the park between 1pm and 8pm with live music, activities and refreshments.

Emmerdale star and author of children’s book, Rosemary and the Witches, Samantha Giles was also in attendance to take part in the World Record attempt.

Samantha Giles. Credit: Pendleside Hospice (Image: Social media)