By Michelle Crean

Harry Potter fans are sure to flock to Kenmare - once restrictions have eased - as yesterday (Thursday) it was named recognised as an honorary Quidditch town.

The news comes due to the release of the new book, 'Quidditch Through The Ages Illustrated Edition', written by J.K Rowling and illustrated by Emily Gravett, and is an essential companion to the Harry Potter series and guide on the wizard’s favourite sport.

Bloomsbury Publishing presented Mayor of Kerry, Patrick Connor-Scarteen, with a decorative banner featuring gold Quidditch hoops celebrating the town’s fictitious Quidditch team, Kenmare Kestrals who feature in the wizarding world’s Quidditch league.

The banner also bears the town’s Quidditch team crest, an eye-catching design with gold and green patchwork.

The Mayor of Kerry was pictured next to the banner in an outdoor, socially distanced presentation with two young Harry Potter fans at Kenmare Stone Circle. During the official presentation, the young Harry Potter fans celebrated on their Nimbus 2000 broomsticks among the pre-historic stones used in ancient rituals and celebrations.

Throughout the week, honorary Quidditch town presentations will continue safely and in line with Government guidelines across the UK and Ireland. The ceremonies are being held at prehistoric sites, stone circles, medieval castles, Roman forts and churches, celebrating the release of 'Quidditch Through The Ages' and the real-life towns represented by Quidditch teams in the Harry Potter series.

In total eleven towns and villages across the UK and Ireland, from Appleby to Holyhead, Falmouth to Wimborne, are being honoured in celebration of the new book.

“We’re really proud to recognise Kenmare as an Honorary Quidditch Town," a spokesperson from Bloomsbury Publishing said.

“Harry Potter fans can now unearth the real-life towns and villages inspiring the names of Quidditch teams and we ask anyone planning a visit to Kenmare to first check national and local travel guidance on Coronavirus to ensure their visit is made safely."

The Mayor added that Kenmare is "delighted to be recognised 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."