More than 1,000 people kickstarted a popular festival with a colossal pie fight that is set to splatter itself into the record books.

According to the number at the turnstiles, around 1,186 people took part in the foamy pandemonium in Ulverston on Saturday, and are set to smash the previous record. The official number will be verified by Guinness World Records.

The event was part of a phenomenal day of festivities for Another Fine Fest to celebrate the birthday of one of the town’s most famous sons, Stan Laurel.

Co-organiser Jennie Dennett said: “We are in Stan Laurel’s home town, the home of comedy, and it feels right that people really got behind it and we are just so happy.

“We were out to put smiles on people’s faces. Hearing that roar when everyone went into that ‘foam-ageddon’ was brilliant. It was a beautifully happy moment.”

The previous world record involved 869 pie throwers at the Big Fun Flan Fling event in Belfast in June last year.

Another of the pie fight organisers, Ceri Hutton, said: “We’re so chuffed to have beaten a big city like Belfast.

“We had a fantastic turnout to get Ulverston into the record books. It’s only right and proper that the town which gave the world Stan Laurel should land this record.”

The pie fight was a thrilling starter to the day as more than 100 live bands, DJs, solo artists, street theatre and live performances wowed the town with entertainment.

Raymond Porter, of Byron Street, Ulverston, said that the event, and the whole of Another Fine Fest is a great celebration for the town.

Mr Porter said: “It is absolutely brilliant. It brings Ulverston together and it brings the best out of the town. “It is great for the families and the kids to be a part of a world record attempt.”