Officially launched by Fergal Murray, the Guinness Master Brewer, the worldwide social network campaign aims to see over a million people worldwide pledge to celebrate true Irish friendliness on St Patrick´s Day, 17 March 2012.
He said: “Every year, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated by millions of people all around the world as a special occasion imbued with the spirit of true Irish friendliness – it has become the perfect opportunity to get together with friends, raise a pint of Guinness and enjoy one of the greatest days of the year.”
Ireland is known as a friendly nation and TripAdvisor has previously named Dublin as Europe’s friendliest city. The Irish love a good chat and grab any chance to share their worldly wisdom with visitors.
Everyone from the barman pulling your pint, to the old lady in the shop; they will all have a few words of advice, a warm smile and a comforting wave to see you on your way.
To take part in Guinness’ Saint Patrick’s Day campaign and join in setting this world record, fans of St Patrick’s Day, Guinness lovers and generally friendly folk can make an online pledge via Facebook or www.guinness.com or join a St Patrick’s Day party to celebrate true Irish friendliness.
To monitor the results Guinness World Record adjudicators will be stationed at Guinness events around the globe to painstakingly count the number of people celebrating this famous day.
They’ll also be verifying online pledges to assess whether St Patrick’s Day has achieved the two records: ‘Most pledges received for a campaign’ and the ‘Largest St Patrick’s Day celebration’.
If successful, Guinness World Records will officially confirm that St Patrick’s Day is ‘The Friendliest Day of the Year’.
Anyone who enters the celebratory spirit of St Patrick’s Day stands a chance of winning a trip for two to Dublin and a tour of the famous Guinness Storehouse and will also be invited to Arthur’s Day events (the day celebrating the remarkable legacy of Arthur Guinness, the creator of Guinness)in September.
The campaign was launched in the Guinness Storehouse Dublin, home of Guinness in Ireland.
Ireland’s number-one visitor attraction, it provides a magical journey deep into the heart of the world famous stout.
Over seven floors it brings to life the rich heritage of Guinness, telling the story from its origins at St James’s Gate in Dublin to its growth as a global brand.
Visitors can witness experiential exhibits featuring the ingredients and the craft of brewing Guinness, the artistry of transporting Guinness around the globe and the iconic Guinness advertising that has made the drink a favourite Irish brand across many continents. Visitors can also taste delicious food offerings infused with Guinness and learn how to pour that perfect pint of Guinness.
Over the St Patrick’s Day weekend the Storehouse will present a host of extra activities laid on to support the ‘Irish friendliness’ campaign.
Visitors can gesture their friendliness at the Storehouse celebrations by calling a friend for free anywhere in the world from the Friendly Phone, getting snapped in the pop up photo booths with their nearest and dearest or having the craic at the Céilí Mór.
A vibrant selection of live music from home grown talent will also be on offer along with food tastings, caricaturists and face painters.
Building on the tradition of last year, the Guinness Storehouse will again be welcoming everybody by the first name of Patrick (or variants of the name) for free into the attraction on St. Patrick’s Day.
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