Ipswich is one step closer to making history, with the city’s ambitious attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest trombone ensemble now awaiting official confirmation.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio, Mayor Teresa Harding said organisers believe 647 trombone players performed together during the SPARK Ipswich Festival—well surpassing the previous world record of 368.
“We’ve gone through our records and we do believe that we have set a new world record of 647 trombone players,” Mayor Harding said.
The application has now been submitted to Guinness World Records, with official verification expected to take several months.
The Mayor praised the vision of local bandmaster Matt Chambers, who conceived the idea and worked tirelessly to bring it to life.
“This was Matt’s brainchild and his vision,” she said.
“He came to Council looking for support, and I just think it’s wonderful that members of our community know they can come to Council with big ideas and receive that support.”
Mayor Harding said the event demonstrated Ipswich’s willingness to embrace ambitious projects and deliver them successfully.
“It just goes to show that whether it’s trying to get Ed Sheeran to Ipswich or attempting a world record, our community knows how to dream big, put in the planning and make it happen.”
The Mayor also took part in the performance after receiving a few lessons on the trombone.
“I was a clarinet player in high school, so I can read music,” she said.
“I only had a simpler part to play, but it was wonderful to be involved.”
She described the atmosphere in Tulmur Place as unforgettable, with musicians travelling from across Australia, including Cairns, Longreach, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra.
“It gave you goosebumps. The weather was perfect and just seeing everyone come together was something really special.”
Peaks to Points Festival Returns
Mayor Harding also encouraged residents to get involved in the Peaks to Points Festival, which begins this weekend and celebrates the natural environment stretching from Ipswich’s mountain ranges to Moreton Bay.
Held every two years, the festival features more than 50 free and low-cost events, including community tree planting, guided bushwalks, birdwatching and environmental activities across South East Queensland.
As part of the festival, Ipswich will host a National Tree Day planting event on the banks of the Bremer River at Cribb Park, North Ipswich, this Sunday.
Other activities include a guided platypus walk at Opossum Creek, Brookwater, and a spotlighting tour at Springfield Lakes.
Mayor Harding encouraged residents to explore the full festival program and take the opportunity to experience the region’s unique natural environment.
Funding Boost for Local Arts
Ipswich’s thriving creative community has also received a significant boost, with 11 artists and creative projects sharing more than $95,000 through the Regional Arts Development Fund, jointly supported by Arts Queensland and Ipswich City Council.
The successful projects include:
- A new EP and community workshops by Millie and the Math Show.
- An interactive environmental installation and education program by Eva Fritz.
- The People of Ipswich portrait project by Amanda Waszczewski.
- Development of four new family musicals by Will Toft through the BXD Creative Incubator.
Mayor Harding said the funding reflected Council’s commitment to supporting local artists and creative industries.
“We have some wonderful creators in this city who continue to punch well above their weight,” she said.
She also welcomed the recent announcement that Swich Up Productions will stage Disney’s Frozen as its major musical production next year, adding to Ipswich’s growing reputation as a vibrant hub for arts and culture.
0 Comments