Staff at Whitby Abbey have asked the public to assist them to beat the Guinness World Records title for the largest gathering of individuals costumed as vampires. Yesterday marked the 110th anniversary of the writer of the Dracula novel, Bram Stoker’s death.
In an attempt to create the new record, hundreds of “vampires” have been urged to come to North Yorkshire in May. To commemorate the 125th anniversary of Dracula’s first publication, Whitby Abbey personnel aim to organise the world’s largest gathering of individuals dressed as vampires.
The record attempt will kick off a week of special events to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the first publication of Dracula, which was inspired by the ruins of Whitby’s 13th century gothic abbey.
Dracula’s first victim is in Whitby, and the abbey appears in Bram Stoker’s 1897 gothic horror book. The previous record was set in 2011 in Doswell, Virginia, with 1,039 people costumed as vampires.
Mark Williamson, from Whitby Abbey, said the challenge, due to take place on 26 May, was an “exciting one”.
“We look forward to welcoming would-be vampires to Whitby Abbey for a fun evening of entertainment – and hopefully a successful new record too.”
Posting to the Whitby Abbey Facebook they wrote: “This year we’re celebrating 125 years of Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ in an unforgettable way.
On 26 May, we are attempting to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Vampires at the birthplace of ‘Dracula’, Whitby Abbey!”
Every year, hundreds of Dracula aficionados flock to Whitby, with many visitors to the North Yorkshire coastal resort mistakingly inquiring where Dracula’s burial is, oblivious to the fact that he is a fictional character.
The house where Bram Stoker resided and conducted much of his study is still standing, and a plaque commemorates his visit.
On the 125th anniversary of Bram Stoker’s iconic novel’s publication, the world-record attempt will take place at Whitby Abbey on Thursday, May 26th.
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