Weymouth to host world record attempt for elf gathering

The festive lights will be officially switched on on Saturday, November 27, and it is hoped around 2,000 elves will gather en masse in an attempt to beat the record for the most in one place.

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Weymouth Christmas lights switch on. Picture: We Are Weymouth

“Christmas in Weymouth is such a special time, we really wanted to mark the start of the season with some great festivities,” said Dawn Rondeu of Weymouth BID, which is trading as We Are Weymouth.

“As well as the lights illumination, elf post office, and live entertainment, we’re so excited to invite as many locals and visitors as possible to join us in donning an elf hat (or costume) and helping us to break the elf world record.”

We Are Weymouth is encouraging as many people as possible, of all ages, to go along to New Bond Street and take part in the Christmas event, dubbed the elf-x-travaganza.

During the day a variety of elf workshops and activities will take place throughout the town centre from 10am prior to Christmas lights being switched on at 4pm.

There will also be an elf trail at the Palm House Cafe, in Commercial Road, and a screening of Will Ferrell's 'Elf' movie at Cineworld in Weymouth.

It is when the lights are switched on at 4pm that organisers are calling for people to be dressed as elves in the town with the aim of reaching 2,000 - which would be enough to beat the current record of 1,790, according to organisers.

Organisers have called on residents and tourists alike to ‘don their best elf hats and costumes and help us put Weymouth on the Christamas map’.

People can take their own elf outfit or children can have a go at making their own at one of the workshops on the day.

Ms Rondeu added: “Our aim is to celebrate Weymouth, celebrate the festive season, and of course encourage visitors to make the most of all our town has to offer.”