Hundreds of book lovers were treated to a unique insight into
the world of record breaking during a special Guinness World
Records™ show at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in
Scotland yesterday.
Editor-in-chief Craig Glenday took the audience at the Scottish
Power Theatre on a fascinating tour of Guinness World Records and
its amazing 55-year history, revealing what does and doesn't make a
record, along with detailed personal stories about his time as
editor.
Craig was later joined by three record holders on stage.
Kids science presenter Dr Bunhead, aka Tom Pringle was first up.
The multiple record holder invited one lucky young audience member
to try out his record breaking potato cannon, while another got to
help test the Doctor's 10 metre straw.
It was then the turn of the recently wed Elaine Davidson, holder
of the world's most pierced woman record, who spoke about what it
was like to be part of the GWR family, before posing for photos
with audience members.
Finally Sean Shannon, holder of the world's fastest talker record
showcased his talent and challenged three kids to the fastest ever
rendition of the Queen song Bohemian Rhapsody.
Guinness World Records would like to thank everyone who came along
and look forward to seeing even more people at next year's
event.
Meanwhile, over 200 people took part in the UK's biggest attempt
to break the world record for longest reading relay at the
festival.
A total of 218 children and adults gathered hoping to smash the
current record of 290 readers, set in 2010 in Vienna, Austria.
Each participant read one sentence from award-winning Scottish
author Theresa Breslin's book Prisoner in Alcatraz.
Despite being 73 people short, spirits were high at the event.
Guinness World Record adjudicator Claire Burgess confirmed: "218
people took part today. Unfortunately we didn't quite get there,
but everyone was very enthusiastic.
"GWR only hold world records, so it won't go on our database but
this is the biggest attempt that has taken place in the UK."
