A GUINNESS World Record attempt is coming to Farnham in aid of Sport Relief 2018 and thousands of children have the chance to take part.

Farnham Maltings-based dance company, The Dance Movement, is enlisting primary, infant, junior, SEND and secondary schools to take part in ‘Let’s Dance’, an attempt to beat the record for the world’s largest simultaneous multi-venue dance class on Friday, March 23, at 1.30pm.

All schools in Surrey and around its borders, including special educational needs schools, are invited and must sign up by 5pm on Friday, March 2, to prepare.

Rachel Deadman, programme director at The Dance Movement said: “We’ve made it really easy for schools to take part in ‘Let’s Dance’ by putting together simple packages that they can use to facilitate the dance class on the day.

“Some schools will have the expertise to teach it themselves or we can send experts in to those that need help. All the information is on our website or we would love schools to get in touch direct if they have questions.”

The Dance Movement’s target is for 30,000 children, young people and school staff to take part.

“To break the record, we need an average of 200 children from 150 schools to get involved,” Rachel continued.

“We already have around 16,000 people signed up so I’m confident we can get the numbers we need. Kids love hearing about world records so to actually be part of one will be something they will remember for years to come.”

The current record is held by Liverpool Sportslinx when 26,797 people took part in a dance class in July 2008.

Rachel added: “We are all set to smash the existing record and raise lots of money for Sport Relief. Pupils, children, teachers, non-teaching staff - even the caretaker and dinner supervisors can join in but we need to hear from you soon.

“The record attempt is a chance for all children to join in this exciting, unique and really fun dance event with all their classmates. Everything you need to know is at www.thedancemovement.co.uk.”

Schools are expected to provide dance lessons as part of their curriculum but many find it a challenge to bring in the expertise to teach it.

The Dance Movement hopes that the support they provide for the record attempt will help schools kick-start high quality dance provision and that the excitement of the world record will enthuse more children to join dance clubs after the event.