Breaking world records at the Pendleside Hospice Witch Festival

In September, we got together to support Pendleside Hospice at the spooktacular Pendleside Witch Festival. Several members of the Fagan & Whalley team had a blast volunteering at the family-friendly event, where we proudly donated one of our trucks to be used as a stage! 

The festival was a roaring success and saw thousands of people gather for a day of live music, fancy dress and refreshments. However, for many, there was only one objective in mind – whether or not the local community could break the current Guinness World record for ‘the largest gathering of people dressed as witches’. 

Despite Pendleside Hospice and Pendle Borough Council having initially claimed this world record in 2012, on the 400th anniversary of the infamous 17th Century Pendle Witch Trials, the record was cruelly taken just a year later by La Bruixia d’Or in Sort, Lleida, in Spain. And quite frankly –  the local Pendle community wanted it back! 

We’re pleased to say that official figures cited 1,871 people dressed as witches at the festival, meaning Pendleside Hospice has successfully beaten the previously held record by 264 people, bringing the world record back to its spiritual home here in Lancashire! 

Hearing of the festival, our systems project administrator officer, Laura Fagan, was keen to help out in any way she could – and spent the day serving up hearty portions of pie and peas to keep attendees nourished.

“We had a brilliant day helping out at the Pendleside Witch Festival,” says Laura, “And whilst bringing the world record back to Pendle was the cherry on top, it was also a fantastic opportunity for the community to join together and raise vital funds and awareness for Pendleside Hospice.

"They work tirelessly to enhance the quality of life of people with life-limiting illnesses by delivering a completely holistic approach to care that addresses the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of individuals and their families and carers. We’re honoured to have been able to help them towards their fundraising goals.

“A huge thank you to all of those who attended the festival, as well as the live music performers, choirs, DJs, caterers and of course, Pendleside Hospice, for all of your hard work in organising the event- we look forward to future fundraising events!”