DOROTHIES, scarecrows, lions, tin men – and of course, Wizards of Oz – will all gather en masse in Frome as the town seeks to break a world record.
The world record attempt for the largest gathering of people dressed as Wizard of Oz characters will take place on Sunday 13th July, as part of the Frome Festival – and you can now register to take part in the event and help Frome break the record!
Led by the Frome Times, in association with Kumon Frome Study Centre and Absolutely Fabulous Costume Hire, the event promises to create another spectacular event for Frome.
Organisers want Frome to break the current record of 446 people, with schools, groups, and individuals all invited to take part.
But organisers will also use the fun and frivolities to promote reading among local children, and raise money to buy books for Frome schools. Events leading up to the world record attempt will include author visits to local schools, and celebrations for World Book Day in March.
Martyn Payne of the Frome Times said, “The Wizard of Oz has always captured the imagination of children and adults alike and we invite everyone to get involved. Dress up as your favourite character, and come and join the fun on Sunday 13th July!”
Susan Gatward of the Frome Kumon Learning Centre said, “We want children to develop a life-long love of reading – and this will be an event to raise awareness of reading in a really exciting way. The Wizard of Oz is one of those stories everyone knows and it appeals to all ages. Parents read it with their children, and it can help everyone come together as a family. Everyone will have something they love about it – it’s not just for little ones, it’s for children, teenagers, grandparents – everyone!”
Philippa Kaye of Absolutely Fabulous Costume Hire said, “Any characters from the Wizard of Oz are welcome to join us; but remember they must be instantly recognisable to qualify for the record! Think how exciting it will be to have hundreds of Dorothies and scarecrows and lions all in Frome! But you can use your imagination and choose any of the characters – maybe you fancy being a munchkin, winged monkey, carriage driver, or a wicked witch?
“I’ve compiled a list of the most famous characters with photos at www.funtodressup.co.uk and a description of the costumes they wore to help you choose. Some may be a challenge! You can always call into the shop for more help and to look at the accessories we stock. I’ve got lots of ideas to inspire you!”
With registration costing just £1, the event hopes to raise hundreds of pounds to buy books for local schools as well.
It will also be a day to embrace the classic 1939 film, with the Westway Cinema screening the film in the afternoon, and other events centred around the story.
Full details, movie clips, information, and the opportunity to register, can all be found on the website at www.funtodressup.co.uk. Registration forms can also be picked up from Absolutely Fabulous Costume Hire at 20 Bath Street or the Kumon Frome Study Centre at 4 Palmer Street. Alternatively send a stamped address envelope to World Record c/o Frome Times, 31 Market Place, Melksham, Wiltshire. SN12 6ES.
