The event ran as part of the hugely successful 12 Towers Festival and has now happened in each of three consecutive summers. After two successful events on the Primary School playing fields, Team Vicar Rev. Andrew Whitehead felt it was time to bring the festival into the church building:
“When I took my family to the Warner Brothers Studio Tour earlier in the year, I reflected that the film-makers spent millions trying to recreate convincing medieval buildings, and we have an amazing example of medieval architecture right here in the village. As the event has always been run by the church community, it made sense to bring Potterfest into church” Team Vicar, Rev Andrew Whitehead.
Nearly 150 children and their associated adults spent the afternoon doing Harry Potter related craft activities, and sampling butter beer or the delights of Honeydukes sweet shop. Visitors also had the chance to get a professional photograph of their children, complete with Harry Potter props.
Team Vicar, Andrew Whitehead, said ‘We’ve been bowled over by the enduring popularity of this event, and it’s great that we could host it in the church building, allowing first-time visitors a new way of seeing our heritage. Our organisers and young people did a fantastic job in planning and leading the day. The world of Harry Potter is so engaging for fans of all ages, and we’re delighted to be involved in helping imaginations to run wild.’
Potterfest is part of the Twelve Towers Festival which sees the parishes of the Aylsham and District Team Ministry hosting events throughout June, July and August.