Women, children, even a few men, enjoyed a flight of fancy as they donned wings and tutus in a bid to set a new world record.

The aim was to gather together 1,000 fairies in Ipswich town centre – but sadly the record attempt just missed its target, despite a fantastic effort by people of all ages to break the current Guinness Book record for the number of fairies together in one place at one time.

See our photo gallery here.

Even though the record wasn’t broken, hundreds had fun dressing up as elves, nymphs, imps and sprites, dancing to the music, and waving their wands in the air and having a magical time on Sunday.

Attempting the record was only part of the day, which aimed to raise money for, and awareness of, the Woolverstone Wish appeal to raise £800,000 to refurbish the chemotherapy outpatient clinics and day-unit in the Woolverstone Wing of Ipswich Hospital.

Sharon Wragg, from Kerseys solicitors, who was the driving force behind the event, said: “It was the most amazing day and we’re really grateful to everyone who turned out and supported the event.

“Of course we’re disappointed that we didn’t beat the record this time round, but we’re really pleased that we have been able to raise money and awareness for such a good cause.”

Around 800 people took part – just short of the record of 871.

Last year 821 people dressed as fairies to try to beat the record.

Chief executive of Ipswich Hospital, Nick Hulme said the Woolverstone Wish appeal currently stood at £670,000.

He told the Cornhill crowd: “It’s been absolutely fantastic and later this year we will be announcing the new build details for the outpatients and day-unit at the hospital and that is possible because of the contributions you and your families have made to this project. Thank you so much.”

This year’s event – part of the Ip-Art Festival – included a March of the Fairies from Christchurch Park and prizes for the cutest, scariest, pinkest, most butch, most glamorous and most unconventional fairies.

It was organised by Kerseys in collaboration with Ipswich Borough Council, the arts festival and Woolverstone Wish.