IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASEBasingstoke, Hampshire UK
4th November 2006.
Your chance to be part of world record attempts
The Academy family entertainment centre in Basingstoke is offering its facilities free of charge to individuals, groups and businesses wishing to fundraise for BBC Children In Need this year.
John Hicks, general manager of The Academy said, “We are excited about this opportunity to help people to raise money for Children In Need, a charity close to our heart. We have a unique venue with snooker, pool, sports bar, restaurant, functions room and DJ entertainment and live music, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
“We will be pleased to host any stunts or world record attempts in aid of Children In Need during the week of 11 – 18 November 2006. It could be anything from someone wanting to spend time in a bath of baked beans to a team wanting to undertake a marathon dance routine.” added John.
The Academy is already hosting a record-breaking attempt by Andy Kyriacou, lead singer with the 1980’s pop legends “Modern Romance” who had hits with such songs as “Everybody Salsa” and “Best Years of our Lives” which was featured in the movie “Shrek”. Andy will seek to break the existing 84 hour drumming record by drumming for at least 100 hours, and may go on to 120 hours. Sponsored by Yamaha, Andy will have 5 minute breaks every hour but will otherwise drum non-stop with just a few seconds between songs.
Andy’s backing tracks will be provided by another world record contender, DJ Danny D, who is attempting to set a new world record for the longest live DJ performance in a nightclub. Danny will play music and entertain customers continuously for the 120 hours. The existing official Guinness World Record is 87 hours but Danny undertook a 100 hour marathon for charity in 2000.
In addition, The Academy is hosting a pool marathon in an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record as club members Micky Piper and Kevin Ward seek to break the present 74 hours and 19 minutes current record.
Club member Aaron Sheridan has also challenged bar supervisor Rob Hall to a pool contest – the best of 499 frames! They will play non-stop starting from Sunday 12th November and the match will last approximately 4 days – without sleep, just 5 minute rest breaks every hour.
Two members of the bar staff, Sinead Galway and Mary Cullen, are doing their bit. They are holding a sponsored sleepover in the venue for five days and five nights during which time they will work in their pyjamas! The have already raised over £250 in sponsorship and are donating their week's wages to Pudsey Bear.
The 7-day long fundraising event for Children In Need starts with a show at The Academy starring “Abba – The Rivals” live on stage, supported by DJ Julie who will be entertaining the audience from 8pm until 2am, with the opportunity to enjoy classics from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and to either chill out or dance the night away on the splendid dance door.
On the Wednesday, Danny will be joined by Country Music Radio & TV Presenter Lee Williams of CMR Nashville Radio for an evening of country music. Danny will continue to spins the discs and Andy will drum along to a different beat to that which he is used to.
On Friday 17th November, Children In Need Day, staff and customers from The Academy will be rattling the bucket in the top of town seeking support from shoppers and town centre workers.
In the evening, The Academy’s usual Friday night over 25’s motown, soul and classics of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s will be continue to be played but with Danny being supported by Resident DJ Ivan Axford.
On Saturday 18th November, all businesses that have undertaken fundraising events are invited to celebrate with a special Pudsey Bear party with live music and a fun karaoke, with local DJ Ivan, with cash prizes to be won. Before the karaoke starts, Pete Staples (bass guitarist with the 60’s superstars THE TROGGS whose hits include “Wild Thing” and “Love Is All Around Us”) will introduce his protégé, Karen Ana, who will perform her new CD release. Pete and Karen will then help judge the competition.
As John explained: “Not only can organisations or individuals use our venue to fundraise, but they can also volunteer as witnesses or first aiders for the world record attempts. We need volunteers across the complete week, day and night. In return, they will participate in setting new world records, help fundraise for Pudsey Bear, maybe meet new people, enjoy some of our superb facilities and each receive a certificate to say they participated in breaking world records. This will be a lot of fun for everyone involved.”
Full details are available on The Academy website (www.academyclubs.com) or by telephoning John on 01256 327273.
ENDS
Note to Editors
There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(www.academyclubs.com).
Further details of Modern Romance can be found at www.modernromance.com
Further details of DJ Danny Dee can be found at www.dannydee.co.uk
Media enquiries to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com
