A WORLD record for the largest disco dance has been broken at Camp Bestival this year.
Camp Bestival has today broken the Guinness World Records title for the Largest Disco Dance with help from popstar Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
In celebration of this year’s Desert Island Disco theme at the festival, today, on Saturday, July 30, 598 Camp Bestival goers donned their finest sequins and headed to the festival’s giant disco ball, where Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Camp Bestival curator’s Rob and Josie da Bank hosted the record-breaking event.
The record was verified by Guinness World Records adjudicator Jack Brockbank and Anouk de Timary after the official count, smashing the previous record by over 274.
Organisers say that the Camp bestival was determined to give as many festival goers as possible the chance to become record breakers regardless of age or ability.
Speaking on hosting the dance, Sophie Ellis-Bextor said: “From my own Kitchen Disco to a fully-fledged all-sequin disco extravaganza in the glorious grounds of Lulworth Castle, I am so thrilled to have played a sparkling part in helping Camp Bestival achieve the official Guinness World Records title for the Largest Disco Dance. Congratulations to all you fabulous disco Kings and Queens!”
The official dance was led by Diverse City founder, Claire Hodgson MBE, to the soundtrack of Sister Sledge’s disco anthem “We Are Family”. Ms Hodgson was awarded an MBE in 2016 for services to inclusion in the Performing Arts and continues to be an inspiration to many with her dedication to all things disco. Rehearsal workshops were available throughout the festival to help learn the official dance, as well as step-by-step video tutorials shared in advance.
Ms Hodgson said: “Choreographing and leading an attempt for the Largest Disco Dance with my sister, Kim, and brother, Tom, was a dream come true! Disco occupies a massive part of my life and it was truly inspiring to see so many dancers of all ages and abilities coming together to dance, laugh, and celebrate breaking the record together.”
The Guinness World Records title attempt also raised funds for Camp Bestival’s official charity partner, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, which inspires young people aged 8 to 24 to believe in a brighter future living through and beyond cancer.
Camp Bestival curator Mr da Bank said: “Camp Bestival Dorset festival goers are record breakers! We are thrilled to have broken the Guinness World Records for the Largest Disco Dance in true Camp Bestival style. It was amazing to see families and people of all ages come together and show off their best disco moves under the dazzling glitter ball.
"As well as having a huge amount of fun, we’re incredibly proud that the attempt has raised funds for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. Huge congratulations to all dancers involved!”
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