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’.

Pendle hill

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.”