The Fleadh Cheoil festival in Wexford has set a new Guinness World Record for the most tin whistles played simultaneously, with 2,516 musicians from across Ireland and beyond performing “The Dawning of the Day” and “The Boys of Wexford.”

The record was achieved at 5 p.m. on Thursday at Chadwicks Wexford Park, under the supervision and official approval of Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief of Guinness World Records.

The previous record stood at 1,015 participants.

Catherine Roche, who teaches the ensemble of musicians, mentioned that participants from America, China, and Australia had registered to be part of the record-breaking event.

Eddie Taaffe, Chairperson of the Wexford Fleadh Cheoil executive committee, expressed their delight in partnering with the Castlebridge Inspire Group to break the world record.

“This event truly embodies what Fleadh Cheoil and Wexford are all about: people coming together, celebrating culture, and achieving great things,” he said.

Castlebridge, a small town in County Wexford, holds historical significance as the birthplace of Guinness World Records in 1951. The idea for the record book was sparked when Sir Hugh Beaver, then managing director of Guinness Breweries, got into a debate about the fastest game bird in Europe during a shooting party by the River Slaney. The discussion continued over dinner at Castlebridge House, leading Beaver to recognize the potential for a book to resolve similar disputes, which were common in pubs across Ireland and the UK.

Craig Glenday, the Editor-in-Chief of Guinness World Records, was present to officially adjudicate the attempt.