Buttercrane Shopping Centre in Newry was packed on Thursday evening as hundreds of people came together in a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest gathering of people dressed as snowmen.
Anticipation had been building about the festive world record bid over the last number of weeks and as 6 o’clock approached, hundreds of men, women, children and even babies donned their wintry garb and excitedly made their way to the Buttercrane Mall, where the atmosphere was at fever pitch. Christmas sing-songs and music gave way to cheers and squeals of joy as organisers announced that the final count for the snowmen gathering was 398 – smashing the previous record of 333 set in Shropshire in 2009.
Centre manager, Peter Murray, described the atmosphere as “electric” adding that it is fantastic that Newry now holds the world record.
“We’re absolutely delighted to break the World Record for world’s largest gathering of people dressed as snowmen with a figure of 398,” he said.
“The atmosphere was electric and it was wonderful that so many people came out and supported the event. It is fantastic to have a world record for Newry.
“It was a true spectacle and a great way to start Christmas celebrations in the city – and for us here at Buttercrane Shopping Centre.”
Event coordinator Catherine McGinn said the attempt “went brilliantly” and revealed organisers must now complete the paperwork and submit verification materials to Guinness World Records for official confirmation.