St John the Baptist Church in Burscough takes part in carol singing world record attempt

Dec 22 2011 by Michael Byrne, Ormskirk Advertiser

BURSCOUGH carol singers may have sung their way into the Guinness Book of Records.

St John the Baptist Church was one of more than 250 churches that took part in the record attempt organised by the Christmas Starts with Christ Campaign.

They were all trying to break the record for the largest number of people singing carols across multiple venues.

A congregation of 330 people joined together for the challenge which was to sing five carols uninterrupted between 7pm and 7.15pm last Sunday.

The choir from St John’s CE Priomary School was among the singers taking part.

Former West Lancashire Mayor Cllr John Baldock and retired policeman Dave Tonge walked around the church to ensure that people were singing in accordance with the rules for the record attempt.

A video was made of the event and this will be sent to adjudicators to see if the record has been set.

Although the attempt still has to be officially verified, the organisers believe they have broken the record with over 17,000 people singing their hearts out.

Before the world record attempt, the church’s service of carols and readings also heard thoughts from each of the main characters from the nativity story who appeared in costume.Š

The congregation then enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies before the world record attempt started at 7pm.

Vicar Rev Richard Jones said that when they spoke to the people organising the record attempt they were still waiting to hear from 57 churches.

But they had said that more than 17,000 people had taken part in the carol singing.

The previous record was 14,100 people.

Rev Jones said: “The carol service was lovely and it was wonderful to have so many people joining together for this special service to celebrate Christ’s birth, with the added excitement of becoming world record breakers!Š

“The singing was wonderful and everyone left with a smile on their face.

“The youngest person at the service was aged two months and the oldest was in their 90s.”