Picnic record success

Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire: Sunny weather this August bank holiday weekend saw the Town and Country Festival set an unofficial Picnic World Record and raise cash for three deserving causes.

Over 1300 picnickers were recorded sitting down, with a drink and eating a minimum of two courses at the same time on 12.30 on Sunday 24 August in Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

Whilst no Guinness book of records staff could attend the event, Chief Steward of Coventry City Football club, Alwyn Day was present throughout to keep an eye on proceedings.

Nominated charities, Tysoe Children's Group, Macmillan Cancer Relief and Anker Radio, already recipients of a £1500 cheque each from the Festival, will be receiving an extra cash boost from donations made by generous picnickers. Organisers estimate that the picnic raised well over £200 to shared equally between the nominated causes.

The picnic kicked off National Picnic week (25 - 31 August) and encouraged visitors to support locally grown produce by buying from Farmers market exhibitors or the event's Heart of England Fine Foods stand.

Annette Gann, Picnic organiser says: "We're delighted at the response we received and the support of all involved. It was a great day, the atmosphere was fantastic, and there's a good chance that we'll bring the official record to Stoneleigh Park. Currently the Record for the World's biggest picnic is held in Sussex for 1059 people. We're now waiting for the Guinness Book of Records to contact Festival organisers and confirm the claim."

The 2004 Town and Country Festival will be taking place at Stoneleigh Park over the Bank Holiday weekend 28 - 30 August. This year's event attracted well over 100,000 visitors.