Frome’s world record attempt boost

JOIN in Frome’s world record attempt and be entertained before and after the show with a performance by Spellbound and a showing of the Wizard of Oz at the Westway Cinema. 

The local community is  being encouraged to join in the town’s effort to  break a world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Wizard of Oz characters.  The Guinness World Record currently stands at 446 people and Frome’s attempt will take place on Sunday 13th July as part of the Frome Festival. The added bonus of Wizard of Oz-themed entertainment on the day adds to what will be a special day for Frome.

Spellbound, the youth section of the Frome Musical Theatre Company (the former Frome Operatic Society) will perform songs from The Wizard of Oz in the Cheese and Grain prior to the event to entertain the crowds before the cast joins in the record attempt themselves.

After the world record attempt those that have taken part can enjoy a showing of the Wizard of Oz at the Westway Cinema with doors opening at 12.15pm and the film starting at 12.45pm. It promises to be a unique experience as an expected capacity audience watches the Wizard of Oz still dressed as characters. Tickets are on sale now from the cinema and priced at £4.50, with tickets expected to sell out fast.

The boost to the record attempt by Spellbound and Westway Cinema’s support has been further enhanced by St. John’s First School, who have also agreed to support the effort. They have agreed for organisers to visit the school to host an assembly encouraging as many pupils as possible to get involved.

Martyn Payne one of the organisers said, “The Wizard of Oz has always captured the imagination of children and adults alike and we invite everyone to get involved. We would like to get all the local schools involved, not only to break the record, but also as a vehicle to promote reading in Frome.

“As such, we would like to offer all local schools the opportunity of a free whole school assembly with local author, David Gatward, to promote the record attempt and also a love of reading through the Wizard of Oz. There are also opportunities for small group sessions with Dave for schools booking in May. We are still available to go into more schools, so get in touch and we can make this an even bigger spectacle. What a great sight and fantastic show this will be, so come on Frome, let’s break a record and show the world what a great place Frome is!”

The characters of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and The Lion will also be appearing at the Carnival Fun Day on Saturday the 7th of June at Victoria Park in Frome.

Dorothy and her friends will offer visitors the chance to sign up to help them break the world record. The Carnival is also inviting everyone who takes part in the world record attempt to dress up again and take part in the Carnival parade.

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.

Registration costs £1 and the money raised will buy books for local schools.

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