Accio visitors! Youngsters flock to church’s Harry Potter festival

Harry Potter fans have flocked to a medieval Norfolk church for a celebration of JK Rowling's magical world.

Cawston's parish church, St Agnes, hosted the 'Potterfest' event as part of the Twelve Towers Festival - a programme of church activities around Aylsham over summer.

Rev Andrew Whitehead, team vicar, said Potterfest drew almost 150 children who spent an afternoon doing crafts and sampling 'butter beer' and the delights of Honeydukes sweet shop.

He said: "When I took my family to the Warner Brothers studio tour earlier in the year, I reflected that the filmmakers 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.

"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.'

For more on the Twelve Towers Festival, visit aylshamteamministry.org.uk/12towers.