A whopping 5,500 New South Wales school students today took part in a historic moment when they set a Guinness World Records title last Friday, November 25, in Sydney.
The student group, who were performing in the Department of Education’s 33rd annual Schools Spectacular, has been certified by the global authority on record breaking as achieving the title for the Largest Amateur Variety Act.
The Schools Spectacular showcases the talent in NSW public schools and features a variety of acts including a choir, symphony orchestra, stage band and solo performers.
A large contingent of Northern Rivers schools were represented at the event, including students from Alstonville Public School, Byron Bay High School, Casino Public School, Kingscliff High School, Kingscliff Public School, Maclean High School, Murwillumbah High School, South Grafton High School, Terranora Public School, Tweed Heads Public School, Tweed River High School and Wyrallah Road Public School.
The 2016 event, which was held at the Oudos Bank Arena at Sydney’s Olympic Park, had the largest troupe yet with 5,500 students performing, and to mark the occasion, the Department of Education arranged the Official Guinness World Records attempt.
Guinness World Records adjudicator, Solvej Malouf was on hand to verify the title.
‘It was a pleasure to award this Guinness World Records title to such a talented group of students,’ said Ms Malouf. ‘There was a great energy in the room throughout the entire event and everyone was so excited when the certificate was awarded.
‘Congratulations to the Department of Education and all involved in the Schools Spectacular.
The cast of the Schools Spectacular is comprised over 5000 of the state’s most talented singers, dancers and musicians. An extensive audition process is carried out across the state to bring together the 2700-voice choir, 2300 dancers, 80 piece orchestra, and talented soloists from ages 5 to 18 who will feature in this dazzling display of music, dance and pageantry.
Students from more than 500 public schools across NSW rehearse for months in preparation for four fantastic shows over two days and nights.
There show will be aired 7pm this Saturday night, December 3, on Prime7.