Thursday, June 7, 2012

 Most sandcastles built in an hour: Burnham-on-Sea breaks world record (Video)

Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, UK -- More than 993 successful sandcastles were built in Burnham-on-Sea during the town's Diamond Jubilee celebrations - setting the new world record for the Most sandcastles built in an hour, according to the World Record Academy: www.worldrecordacademy.com/.

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The world record attempt, which involved several hundred people, took place during celebrations including a parade through the town led by a French band and Olympic torch bearers.

The Guinness world record for the most sandcastles built in one hour is 571 and was achieved by attendees of the Duncannon Sandsculpting Festival (Ireland) at Duncannon Beach in Duncannon.

Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the tallest sand sculpture: 22.43 meters (73 ft 7 in), achieved at the 12th Gotone China Zhoushan International Sand Sculpture Festival in Zhujiajian, Zhoushan City, Zhejiang Province, China.

  Steve Bird, one of the organisers, said the sandcastles had to be 2ft across, 2ft high and have four turrets.

  "More than 100 were disqualified but we still managed to smash the record," he said.

 "We did say after the event it was so successful that this ought to probably be some sort of annual event that we hold in Burnham-on-Sea.

 "Possibly we could break the record year-on-year."

  The event was also held to raise money and awareness for The Coastguard Association, the BARB rescue hovercraft, Burnham Lions and the RNLI.

   The event was organised by a team of volunteers comprising Ian Jefferies, Steve Bird, Greg Kelloway, Mark Newman and Tim Walters.

  Burnham's local business community supported the event with backers including Sunspot Amusements, The Pavillion, The Oaktree, Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, Toy Cupboard, Seabreeze, Galley Cafe, Burnham-On-Sea.com, Skye Bar, Sedgemoor District Council and Burnham Swim Academy.
  Brian Beale from Burnham Harriers also provided the clock.