About
The Team
Bill and Sally-Anne’s idea of a day of Wizarding in 2018 grew into a huge project. What became the “Wirksworth Wizarding Day” started as an idea to promote the town, promote local charities and good causes and allow Wizarding fans to come and express their love for the fantasy universe.
The more Bill and Sally-Anne talked to their friends and local organisations, the more enthusiasm, delight and ideas for the event they received. You could say that things snowballed somewhat.
Nobody was ready for the many thousands of visitors that the small market town of Wirksworth received; it turned into a very magical place on an ordinary day in late October 2018.
Estimates put attendance at over 7,000 people - primarily families - taking part in the many activities and games arranged by local charities, charitable organisations and businesses. Most parts of the town took part in one way or another with residents getting into the spirit by wearing magical costumes.
Since the first event in 2018, two further events have been held in 2019 and 2022 with the next one happening in October, 2023.
The 2018 Wirksworth Wizarding Day was a massive success.
The Wizarding Day is a big event for Wirksworth but is planned and operated by a small team of dedicated volunteers.
The core wizarding day team:
Bill Bevan - Chief Mugwump - ideas, inspiration, perspiration, contacts, general head of the gang
Sally-Anne Swindell - traders relations, good cheer, more contacts
Jo Metcalf - marketing, social media, planning, generally the organised one
Stuart Combellack - website, fundraising, volunteer support
Wizard Works pop-up shop, 2018