Fairy fool sparks huge response
Firestone Fairy
Thousands of people looked at pictures of the Firestone Fairy
Photographs of a mummified fairy supposedly found in Derbyshire have been revealed as an April Fool's prank.

Former Derbyshire resident Dan Baines, 31, who designs illusions for magicians, made the fairy as a prank.

The fairy was reportedly found by a dog walker at Firestone Hill near Duffield and pictures of it posted on a website.

The site got 20,000 hits in one day from fairy believers. "Although I've said it's a hoax, people still believe that it's real," said Mr Baines.


One person told me to return the remains to the grave site as soon as possible or face the consequences
Dan Baines

"They believe this is just a cover-up so let the illusion continue."

He added that it had taken him four hours a day to answer all of his emails.

"I've had all sorts of comments including people who say they've seen exactly the same things and one person who told me to return the remains to the grave site as soon as possible or face the consequences," he said.

The fairy is about eight inches long with details such as a navel, ears and hair added for authenticity.

Mr Baines added that he had now become addicted to April Fool's jokes and told people to "watch this space" for future pranks.

The photographs have now been taken down from the website.

Tank you for the interest you have shown in my story.

Even if you believe in fairies, as I personally do, there will always have been an element of doubt in your mind that would suggest the remains are a hoax. However, the magic created by the possibilities of the fairy being real is something you will remember of the rest of your life.

Alas the fairy is fake but my interest and belief has allowed me to create a work of art that is convincing and magical. I was also interested to see if fairy folklore is still a valid belief in modern society and I am pleased to say that yes it is! I have had more response from believers than I ever thought possible.

As well as an artist I am also a magician and you have been my fantastic audience. That spark of magic ifnited your imagination and made your day more memorable and exciting.

I believe fairies to be Earth spirits rather than physical beings so my performance was slightly flawed. The question stills begs to answered though, are they made of flesh and blood like you and I?

I hope you have not been offended by the events of the past few days but if you are I sincerely apologise. It took 50 years for the Cottingley fairies to be revealed as a hoax; at least you've only had to endure a few days of mystery.