Movie stars Tom Hardy and Harrison Ford were on hand yesterday as the Royal Marines Corps of Drums began an attempt for the longest group drum roll world record at the Tower of London.
The record bid was organised by the UK’s Ministry of Defence as part of celebrations to mark the 350th anniversary of the Royal Marines as well as help raise funds for injured servicemen.
The musical unit will need to show plenty of stamina to beat the current record, which stands at an impressive 28 hours, 19 minutes and three seconds of continuous drumming set by Big Rapids High School in, Michigan, USA in June last year.
The Corps of Drums nevertheless appear confident, as they hope to extend the record to 64 hours, aiming to finally put their drumsticks down on Saturday morning.
Forty Royal Marines Buglers are taking part in the attempt from Royal Marines School of Music, and all five bands - Portsmouth, Collingwood, Plymouth, Commando Training Centre Royal Marines and Scotland.
Each drummer will play for a minimum of 1.5 hours (15 minutes at a time) during the record bid.
The record attempt will be based at the iconic Tower of London throughout and the drummers will be putting on regular demonstrations and offering the public the chance to try some drumming.
Not one but two film stars at the Tower this evening to launch the @GWR attempt for the longest group drum roll. pic.twitter.com/O8Mw9GZ0pV
— HRP Press Office (@HRP_PressOffice) April 30, 2014Batman star Tom Hardy said: “As a huge supporter of the Royal Marines, I wanted to show my continued support to these professionals in their 350 th year and it is an honour to be invited to start this epic challenge.”
Corporal Bugler Stuart Warmington, who came up with the idea said, “I am overwhelmed with how the idea has grown.
“Originally it was going to take place in a carpark in Portsmouth and now here we are at the Tower of London.
“We really hope to reach our £166,400 target for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund who do such incredible work on a daily basis.”
Richard Kenworthy, head of fundraising at the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund said, “Fundraising like this is so important to our work supporting past and present Royal Marines and their families.
“We have an ambitious target of raising £6,000,000 by the end of the year which we sincerely hope we meet so we can continue to help those in need.”
Guinness World Records spokesman Jamie Clarke, said; “We are really happy to support the Royal Marines and their charity fundraising appeal during this record attempt; we wish them every success!”
The event also saw British actor Tom, who starred in The Dark Knight Rises as the villainous Bane, presented with an official Guinness World Records certificate, certifying that the super hero movie holds the current title for Highest box office film gross (2D) - opening weekend.
Co-starring Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne, the film grossed $160,887,295 (£103.9 million) during its opening weekend of 20–22 July 2012.
The star said: "I am absolutely delighted to be presented with this certificate and am happy to accept it on behalf of everyone who worked on the Dark Knight Rises".
