Almost 200 musicians have signed up to take part in a world record-breaking event which will be held this summer.
Organisers of the Stonehaven Folk Festival are hoping to set a new world record for the largest ceilidh band during the town’s weekend event in July and are appealing for more band members.
The idea has been “kicking around” for a few years according to Charlie West who helps organise the annual festival. He said: “Because this year is the 30th anniversary of the Folk Festival we thought we should just go for it.
“There isn’t a record set at the moment, but Guinness has stipulated there has to be at least 250 musicians. We are verifying it all with Guinness and will have to follow very strict rules for it to count as an official record – including videoing it.”
The record attempt will be part of the programme of events taking place throughout the Folk Festival and musicians of all ages and abilities are invited to sign up.
“We don’t need it to be the best ceilidh band,” said Mr West. “Just the biggest – so all are welcome. Music is available to print off and learn and we will have a rehearsal before the event.”
Two of the other unique events taking place are the World Paper’n’Comb Championships – the theme this year being Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Comb-over Band – this is open to all ages and abilities, paper will be provided and “fancy dress is optional”.
The Aqua Ceilidh will again be held in the Open Air Swimming Pool, where swimmers can take part in ‘Drip the Willow’ and the ‘Splashing White Sergeant’.
The ceilidh band record attempt will take place at Mackie Academy at 5pm on Saturday July 6. Any musician wishing to participate can find the music to be played and a link to register at: www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk