482 Brits set world record for biggest group dressed as witches

August 19, 2012 | Cinema | Written by

London, August 19: The world record for the largest number of people dressed as witches at one place has been set on the 400th anniversary of the Pendle witch trials in Lancashire.

482 people donned a black pointed hat, black cloak and a broom to qualify for the record attempt.

The group made for a bizarre spectacle as they trekked across Gallows Hill where 10 people were hanged in 1612 after being found guilty of causing death or harm by witchcraft.

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

The walk was held not only to mark the anniversary of the witch trials but to raise a target of 50,000 pounds for the Pendleside Hospice, Burnley.

Julian Jordan, the organiser of the witch walk, said that the witch trials were a sombre part of the area’s history but the walkers wanted to show off the best of Pendle including ‘our glorious countryside, our magnificent hill and our tumultuous history’.

The record-breakers were treated to a live music festival after the walk ended.

“The Big Witch Event is part of our Pendle Witch Festival which marks the 400th anniversary of the trial of the Pendle Witches,” the Daily Mail quoted councillor Paul White, who represents tourism in Pendle, as saying.

“We were happy to support the organisers of the Pendle Witch Walk and to complement their event with an outdoor concert at the end of what was a magical day,” he added. (ANI)