Blue faces for Smurf world record

by Grainne McCarry

Getting in some Smurf practice before the world record attempt

A town in County Monaghan, will transform itself into a sea of blue on Friday in an attempt to get its name in the Guinness Book of Records.

This year is the 50th birthday of the popular cartoon characters The Smurfs.

To mark the occasion organisers of the Muckno Mania Festival in Castleblayney will attempt to break the record for the most Smurfs in one place.

Tommy McGuire, festival organiser said: "We've had a great response so far from people of all ages".

The record currently stands at 451 and that's held by Warwick Student's Union in England. Organisers are aiming for 1,000 on the day in Monaghan.

He said: "I'm dressing up as Papa Smurf as are the other organisers to make us identifiable from the crowd. The guidelines are very strict and an official from the Guinness Book of Records will be there on the day to count the number of people and inspect what they are wearing," he added.

Outfits

Explaining the costumes, Mr McGuire explained: "Participants must wear white full-length trousers, a blue long sleeved shirt or blue T-shirt, a white Smurf hat and all skin showing must be painted blue".

The idea was formed after organisers watched the 1,488-strong Gallagher Clan enter the Guinness world record for the biggest number of people with the same surname attending a clan gathering in Letterkenny in September.

"When we returned, we got the Guinness Book of Records out and read through it until we found something that was wacky and colourful," said Tommy.

The event is taking place on Castleblayney's Main Street. Registration is at 1800 BST on Friday, although organisers advise to arrive early. Specially made hats, blue T-shirts and face paints will be handed out on the day.