WIGTOWN has once again had it’s name cemented in wizardry folklore, as it is recognised as an Honorary Quidditch Town.
As Scotland’s national Book Town, it has long been a celebrated home of literature, canonised further after a fictional Quidditch team, the Wigtown Wanderers, featured in J.K. Rowling’s Quidditch Through the Ages.
Following the new release of an illustrated edition of the 2001 book – which was written under Rowling’s pseudonym, Kennilworthy Whisp, with profits going to Comic Relief – the town has been presented with a decorative banner featuring gold Quidditch hoops celebrating the town’s team.
Publishers of Harry Potter, Bloomsbury, handed over the banner to Wigtown Community Council’s Chair, Sandra McDowall on Tuesday.
Several local youngsters bearing broomsticks were in attendance, socially distanced at the event at the Town Square.
Sandra said:“Wigtown is a special place, already recognised as Scotland’s National Book Town and we’re delighted to receive another accolade as an Honorary Quidditch Town. Harry Potter’s favourite sport Quidditch brings joy to children and adults across the world and this decorative banner, emblazoned with the town’s team colours, shows our support for our beloved Quidditch team.”
One of the sorcerous spectators, Natasha Kitson, an eleven-year-old pupil at Wigtown Primary School said: “I’m obsessed with Harry Potter and dream of playing Quidditch, so I’m really happy to find out that I now live in an Honorary Quidditch Town. I loved visiting the sign and it’s great that Wigtown has been honoured in this way.”
A spokesperson from Bloomsbury Publishing added: “We’re really proud to recognise Wigtown as an Honorary Quidditch Town alongside ten other towns and villages across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“Quidditch captured the imaginations of children and adults across the world, and the new book Quidditch Through the Ages, beautifully illustrated by Emily Gravett, is a magical companion for those who want to immerse themselves in the wizarding world of Harry Potter.”
