A weekend of events at Lancaster Castle will mark the 401st anniversary of the Lancashire Witch Trials, during which 19 people went on trial for their lives at Lancaster Castle.

The events, which take place over the weekend of 16 – 18th August, will commemorate the 10 men and women who were hanged in the summer of 1612.

On the Friday evening, a free commemorative event has been developed by a range of organisations to give people the opportunity to reflect and remember the extraordinary lives, journey and ultimate fate of the Lancashire Witches.

The evening will start with a reflective performance of poetry, prose and music in the atmospheric surroundings of the castle’s inner rooms and will highlight the plight of those victims of a time of persecution. The event will culminate in the lighting of a beacon and a vigil held by charity Stepping Stones Nigeria, which works with modern-day victims of mistreatment.

Over Saturday and Sunday, there will be a number of family-friendly events and activities taking place at the castle. Broomstick racing, witchcraft workshops, street theatre and storytelling will be on offer to entertain young and old alike.

There will also be a chance to visit the castle dungeons where the unfortunate victims were imprisoned.

“There’s no doubt that Lancaster has a fascinating history, but no episode in that history is more fascinating or darker than the story of the Lancashire Witches, says Councillor Ron Sands, Cabinet member with responsibility for culture and tourism.

“It is important to separate fact from centuries of fiction. We must learn from history and never repeat such dreadful inhumanities.

“The event on the Friday evening in particular will provide visitors to Lancaster Castle with a stirring insight into a story that has captivated people for centuries followed by two days of fun for all the family.”

This event is kindly sponsored by Bay Tourism Association and Lancaster Unlimited and is brought to you by Lancaster Castle, Nice @ The Castle, Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council, Litfest and Stepping Stones Nigeria.

• Events take place on Friday 16 August 7.30pm – 10pm (free event), Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August 10am – 5pm (£1 admission charge). More information is available at www.lancaster.gov.uk/witchesweekend and www.facebook.com/LancasterCastle or by calling Nice @ The Castle on 01524 848525.