A local attraction could be on track to gain a world record title if it manages – with the assistance of members of the public – to pull off a dance spectacular this February. Locomotion in County Durham, which as previously reported is a visitor favourite and always a revelation for first-timers, is hoping to set a Guinness World Record during half-term week and it is encouraging people to step in to help.
The railway museum at Shildon is out to set the record for the greatest number of people simultaneously dancing the Locomotion at a single venue. Its ambitious attempt is being held in association with S&DR200: the continuing programme of events to mark the 200-year anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
As previously reported Shildon had a place at the heart of the birth of the modern railway, with George and Robert Stephenson’s famous Locomotion No. 1 being the first steam locomotive to pull a passenger-carrying train. And now the museum of that name, which is home to the original train and which celebrated its own 20-year anniversary last year, wants another share of the spotlight.
Already this ambition has caught the attention of record producer Pete Waterman who is supporting its official attempt at the record, which will take place at the museum on February 26. Professional Darlington-based choreographer Darrien Wright and local dance schools will be among those taking part – and everyone is welcome to join the fun.
Sarah Price, head of Locomotion, said: “The thought that Locomotion might soon have its own official Guinness World Records title is amazing! We really hope as many people as possible – young, old, dancers and non-dancers, rail enthusiasts and complete newbies – join us to help us achieve this incredible goal.
“This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the community to come together in a historic setting to achieve something unforgettable.” No dance experience is necessary to take part and there are video guides on the museum’s webiste and social media channels to help people learn the dance moves.
Locomotion also will be running two classes on February 20 for people to attend. These will take place from 4.30pm until 5.30pm at Jubilee Fields Community Centre, also in Shildon, and then 6pm-7:30pm at Locomotion itself.
Then it will be over to the big day and the official attempt is set to get under way at 2pm, with dancers in action to Kylie Minogue’s version of the Locomotion. To break the record, official guidelines say that at least 1,752 people must be dancing together for at least five minutes.
Pete Waterman – who is also president of the Railway Benefit Fund, a long-running charity that supports railway employees and their families – worked with Kylie on the re-release of her Locomotion hit in 1998, which reached number two in the UK singles chart. He said of the museum’s upcoming world record attempt: “I am delighted to support this event and the brilliant teams at Locomotion and S&DR200.
“As a charity, we are committed to supporting the UK rail industry and the incredible people who keep it moving. The railway has evolved in the best possible way, transforming from its historic roots into a modern, high-tech marvel but it is the dedicated railway people, from the engineers to the apprentices, who remain its greatest asset.”
He added: “I am particularly excited by the opportunity this event brings to invite more young people to learn more about and be inspired by the rich history and exciting future of British rail.” Participants in the record bid are asked to turn up at the museum before 12.30pm on the day for registration and then there will be a warm-up and brief rehearsal before the official attempt gets under way.
Choreographer Darrien, who won BBC1’s Strictly Dance Fever in 2006 and who danced with Kylie on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show in 2018, will lead the action. Dance groups taking part are coming from Harlequin Stages School; Age UK and HC Vocal And Performance Academy.
During the event, the world-famous Locomotion No. 1 itself will be illuminated in the main hall to form a backdrop to the action. The record attempt is part of Locomotion’s ‘railway record-breakers’ half-term programme, which includes activities and a trail to discover more about the record-breaking vehicles in its collection.
Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, wishes everyone luck and said: ‘We are looking forward to adjudicating this fun and fabulous record attempt. Our call for 2026 is ‘be part of it’ so it’s wonderful to see a community coming together to dance the Locomotion.”
Anyone wanting to take part can find full details on the museum’s website here. On the same day, following the event, Locomotion is also due to launch Trail of Discovery, a walking and cycling route through ‘the birthplace of the modern railway’ which follows sections of the original 26-mile journey of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, along with an interactive app that uses augmented reality to bring the route to life.
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