News 2001
Virgin Mobile Sets New Guinness World Record
05/09/2001
Hundreds of people gather in Leicester Square to set first ever mobile Guinness World Record
Hundreds of mobiles ringing in unison in a public place would be most people's idea of hell but for 254 people it was a chance to enter the record books. Mobile mania took London by storm today as Virgin Mobile set the first ever mobile Guinness World Record for the most mobile phones ringing in unison ever.
254 people gathered in London's entertainment mecca, Leicester Square, to take part in the 'Big Ring'. Passers by were treated to a rendition of the Pearl & Dean jingle, famed for its use in cinema's throughout the UK, which was specially converted into a ringtone for the occasion. There were even earplugs on hand for those who found it all too much.
The record attempt was overseen by film aficionado Mariella Frostrup and up and coming comedian Dan Thomas, a finalist in the Channel 4 Comedy awards. A Guinness World Records official was on hand to present Virgin Mobile and the hundreds of mobile users who took part in the event with a special certificate that now confirms their place in the record books.
Steven Day, Corporate Affairs Director, Virgin Mobile said: "I don't think Leicester Square knew what had hit it today as it reverberated to one of the craziest musical renditions ever. The sound was incredible and people really got into the spirit of the event."
Stuart Claxton, A spokesperson for Guinness Book of Records added: "On a daily basis Guinness World Records deals with the biggest and best of everything in today's culture. Ringtones and graphics are big part of that and it is only fitting that we have a record that acknowledges that."
The Big Ring marked the launch of Virgin Mobile's funky new ringtones and graphics service www.virgin.com/ringtones, which music lovers can visit to download all the latest tunes to their phone. There is a rip-off culture in ringtones and icons where consumers have to pay £4 to £5 just to download. With Virgin Mobile all the information and samples of the ringtones are on the website or available at a local rate number. The premium rate number is just for ordering, which is the cheapest way to do it.
Ringtones & graphics fanatics can view or hear all the latest 'must haves' at www.virgin.com/ringtones or call a local number - 0845 120 1203 to find out what's on offer. Downloads are available on 09055 60 70 80 and cost around £2 (calls cost £1 a minute from landlines and it takes about two minutes to select a tune or graphic). Alternatively customers can pick up a voucher at Virgin Megastores, V.Shops or Our Price for £3, which entitles them to two downloads from either the graphics or ringtones selections.
