Everybody's Doing It in Shildon

There was a sense of excitement in the air as participants of all ages gathered on a cold and showery February afternoon. They'd come together at Locomotion, the railway museum in Shildon, County Durham, to attempt to break the world record for the most people dancing to - fittingy - The Loco-Motion.

The mass dance off was the final chapter in the programme of events to celebrate the Stockton and Darlinton Railway's 200th anniversary. Hundreds turned up to play their part in furthering the steam engine legacy, some in fancy dress, others just along for the ride.

The Loco-Motion had originally been a hit for Little Eva in 1962 (written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin) before Grand Funk Railroad covered the track in 1974. More recently, and arguably more recognisable to younger ears, Kylie Minogue re-released the melody in 1988 aided by the Hit Factory's Stock, Aitken and Waterman.

In our crazy world of nicheness, it's perhaps no surprise that the record had already been set. On 24th June 2007, Shelter Cymru held an event at Neath Port Talbot with 1,752 people simultaneosly performing the steps to The Loco-Motion. Could this be surpassed in the North East?

Initial signs looked promising and the appearance of a very smartly dressed official representing Guinness World Records demonstrated the gravity of the occasion. Practice runs led by Darlington-based professional dancer and choreographer Darrien Wright doubled as warm ups and fine tuning of steps before a buzzer sounded the start of the record attempt.

From my working position it was difficult not to form an emotional attachment to those taking part, with the smiles on their faces and the syncronisation of their fun-induced moves. As the five-minute routine came to an end, a nail biting wait was endured as counts and verifications were made by organisers and officials. Sadly it wasn't to be, with the number of dancers falling short of the 2007 record set in Wales.

From time to time my job requires attendance at some weird and wonderful events. This was certainly one of those, and I hope a future attempt will be made in the North East, possibly at a warmer time of the year, to dance into the record book.

@LocomotionSHD @BarronMedia @GWR @kylieminogue #S&DR200 #Locomotion