More than 2,500 musicians gathered at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and made history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the most tin whistles played simultaneously for five minutes. The event took place at Chadwicks Wexford Park, where school students, families, and festival attendees came together to play renditions of traditional tunes like The Boys of Wexford and The Dawning of the Day March. The new record now stands at 2,516 people, which will be featured in the 70th anniversary edition of the Guinness World Records book.
According to Craig Glenday, editor in chief of Guinness World Records, the act of playing music together is a unifying experience, and using traditional musical instruments adds another layer of cultural significance to the event. Fleadh Cheoil 2024 in Wexford is running until Sunday, offering a variety of traditional Irish music competitions, sessions, dances, and exhibitions under the theme “A Fleadh for All” to encourage people from different backgrounds and skill levels to participate.
The tin whistle, being a popular instrument in Irish school life, was a perfect choice for the record-breaking attempt. The significance of the tin whistle in Irish culture was evident as participants from various age groups came together to showcase their musical talents. Catherine Roche, the lead instructor for the tin whistle ensemble, emphasized the positive impact of such events on traditional music, noting the increasing popularity of playing music among teenagers.
Roche has been actively involved in teaching students the tunes for the event since April, working with groups like the Castlebridge Tin Whistlers to promote music education across different age groups. She believes that starting with the tin whistle as a beginner instrument can lead to a lifelong love of music and eventually progress to other instruments like the pipes and flute.
One of the participants, Tommy O’Brien, shared his family’s enthusiastic involvement in the event, with his daughter Niamh, an Irish dancer married to Michael Flatley, fully dedicated to preparing for the record attempt. The sense of pride and joy in participating in such a historic event was palpable among the attendees, showcasing the deep-rooted connection between traditional music and community spirit.
Events like the Guinness World Record attempt at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann not only celebrate musical achievements but also bring people together to appreciate and preserve traditional Irish culture. The success of the event highlights the enduring appeal of music as a unifying force that transcends age, background, and skill level, continuing to inspire future generations to embrace the rich heritage of Irish music.