Four inspiring records from 2024 to prove that teamwork makes the dream work
In 2024, communities around the world came together to break records in style.
Through playful pyjamas, magnificent displays of oil lamps or LED shows lighting up the night, last year reminded us that beautiful things are often born from creativity and a collective effort, and that teamwork truly makes the dream work.
Whether you're looking for inspiration for your next big feat or need some extra motivation to kick off the new year with the right energy, check out four records that can ignite your teamwork spirit in 2025.
Largest gathering of people wearing two-piece pyjamas
No one is sleeping on the success of retail giant IKEA.
In the past decades, the Swedish company became known worldwide for its affordable furniture and (perhaps most importantly) for the ultimate comfort food: IKEA's iconic meatballs.
However, in September 2024, the company rallied its employees to break a unique record: the largest gathering of people wearing two-piece pyjamas, to celebrate its campaign to improve sleep quality.
And what better snack for a sleepover than the brand's dreamy meatballs, the recipe we all know and love?
Although the dish has been served in stores since 1960, as reported by the brand, the birth of the delicious, juicy meatball as we know it today didn't happen until 1985. The recipe is the result of month-long research from Swedish chef Severin Sjöstedt and his team.
After introducing chicken as an alternative to the classic red meat - while adding a mouthwatering array of options, such as moose meatballs and a salmon variation - in 2015 the Scandinavian colossus eventually launched its vegetarian meatball recipe.
Five years later, the brand also welcomed its vegan-friendly alternative: the plant-based (but not less tasty!) "Huvudroll" Plant ball.
Back to the record attempt, the location had been equipped with comfy beds, pillows and sleep masks: a day dedicated to fun and self-care that could remind the public of the importance of prioritizing sleep quality, and how small adjustments in our nightly routine can make a big difference.
Remarkably, the record took place in Älmhult, Sweden — the birthplace of the brand, where Ingvar Kamprad's dreams turned into a life-changing reality.
Here, more than anywhere else, the company’s values and history have been deeply rooted since its origins in 1943.
The small town - "IKEA's heart" - even houses the first and only IKEA hotel in the world, where visitors can relax and enjoy local Småland delicacies.
"Don't worry," the brand jokes on its website, "Our 250 rooms come fully assembled."
For the record attempt, 2,051 IKEA employees gathered together flaunting matching blue pyjamas with yellow trim, featuring a vibrant veggie ball motif.
The unique pattern saw the yummy veggie meatballs paired with lingonberry jam and gravy.
Most of all, the vibrant (but sadly limited-edition) sleepwear set wasn't just cosy and bright: the pyjamas were created from environmentally friendly recycled plastic, reinforcing the company’s mission of sustainability. The perfect attire for a good night's sleep, indeed.
We are sure the sleepover was a (meat)ball!
Most people launching confetti cannons simultaneously
Perth’s St Stephen’s School (Australia) celebrated its 40th anniversary in style.
For a birthday to remember, the independent school of the Uniting Church brought its two campuses together and gathered students and educators for the record-setting event. The goal? To smash the record for the most people launching confetti cannons simultaneously.
The organization underwent months of meticulous planning, with special attention given to sourcing environmentally friendly red, blue, and white confetti.
Eventually, in May 2024, a whopping total of 2,013 students and faculty members assembled on the school’s grounds to set off cannons filled with eco-friendly, biodegradable confetti.
Despite the occasional setbacks — including the event being postponed due to extreme weather and a five a.m. start to set up the location — the day was a success: the crowd formed a '40' and waited for the signal to set off a colourful rain of confetti.
As adjudicated by the on-site Adjudicator Marc Cote, the attempt surpassed the previous record.
Before St Stephen's School, the title for the most people launching confetti cannons simultaneously was achieved by a school in Orlando, USA, which gathered 1,116 participants in November 2022.
Despite 16 disqualifications, the Australian school successfully took home the coveted certificate, bringing together different generations of students and teachers. Everyone shared the exciting achievement, giving their best to achieve the record.
After the event, students and teachers could get their certificates of participation and medals to celebrate their feat.
“Everyone had a part to play,” organizers noted.
Another key element of the record-breaking celebration was to create an unforgettable memory for the school's students.
"We’ve loved how this event has brought our whole community together and not just current parents and students," said Principal Donella Beare.
And, for sure, this is not an anniversary that will be easily forgotten!
Most people lighting LED lights in a relay
"Lignano Sabbiadoro, the bright jewel of the Adriatic coast, doesn't only shine in the daylight: its light continues after sundown."
Those at the words of the USARCI press release celebrating Lignano Sabbiadoro's dazzling Guinness World Records title: the most people lighting LED lights in a relay.
In August 2024, an impressive crowd of 1,705 participants reunited at the Italian seaside town to paint the night with vibrant colours.
Tourists and residents alike gathered at the local Beach Arena and enjoyed a Friday evening made of fun, music and record-breaking.
The event was organized by Emporio ADV, Showgroup, PromoTurismoFVG, and local partners to promote tourism along the Adriatic coast.
Participants, including families, friends, and community groups, lined up on the beach from eight p.m. for the pre-event party and to collect their LED goodies.
Each participant was handed a branded LED donut that read "I am Friuli Venezia Giulia" (originally "Io sono Friuli Venezia Giulia", the name of the Italian region where the attempt took place).
Attendants were also encouraged to take the prop home after the event: a small token for a night that will stay etched in Lignano Sabbiadoro's history (or they could grab a certificate of participation testifying their achievement).
Starting from 10 in the evening the crowd sat on the shore, facing the sea, and lit their LED lights.
The shining gathering surpassed with a whopping 717 people the previous record — set in 2019 by the Chinese company Yashili International Group with 988 participants.
Under the careful eye of Guinness World Records Adjudicator Lorenzo Veltri, the impressive line-up secured the record.
The event continued with live music, entertainment and a joyful nighttime swim, as hundreds of glowy donuts illuminated the sea.
Local rowing champion and Olympic athlete Alice Gnatta also joined the celebration, adding to the community’s pride.
This event highlighted the bubbly spirit of Lignano Sabbiadoro and its region, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and emphasised the town's role as a major hub for tourism.
Largest display of oil lamps
Another Diwali, another record-breaking success.
The annual festival of lights shone brighter than ever under the skies of Ayodhya, India: here, the scenographic record for the largest display of oil lamps was yet again achieved by the collective efforts of the Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, District Administration Aydohya and Sarayu Aarti Samiti (India).
A breathtaking array of 2,512,585 lakh diyas (traditional clay lamps with a cotton wick, filled with oil) was lit along the riverbanks for Deepotsav (meaning "a row of lights").
The annual festival has been held in Ayodhya since 2017 to welcome Diwali. However, this year marked a special milestone as it was the first Deepotsav since the consecration of the Ram Mandir temple, a temple complex currently under construction dedicated to the Hindu deity Ram Lalla.
The oil lamps formed an intricated design visible from above: a work of art that lit up the night, even more majestic than the one featured in the previous 2023 record.
For the first time, this year the diyas didn't have to be all lit up for the attempt to be valid.
Guinness World Records Adjudicator Pavin Patel was present to oversee the event, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his cabinet directed the celebration.
Adding a new element to the festivities, the community also attempted the record for most people performing diya rotations simultaneously.
The 1,211 dancers largely surpassed the minimum of 250, adding a new record title to the city's ever-growing collection.
Although it varies regionally, the Diwali celebration symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and enlightenment over ignorance.
The festivity usually lasts between six and seven days and is a longstanding tradition in Ayodhya.
The riverside city — a vibrant up-and-coming religious hub situated in Uttar Pradesh, central India — is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Despite some controversy, many scholars identify modern-day Ayodhya as the site of the legendary city of Ayodhya mentioned in the Sanskrit epic accounts Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The ancient capital is believed to be the birthplace of the Hindu deity Rama, making it the perfect location for the attempt.
The community (including 30,000 volunteers, mainly students, alongside several dignitaries and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath) came together to arrange oil lamps over the rooftops, in the streets and along the river Saryu.