Well known in Armagh’s music scene, Martin Rafferty has been teaching music for almost 15 years – and he’s just set himself one of his biggest challenges yet!
With the help of other local musicians (Mark Bratton, Stephen Smith, Matthew Lennon, Sarah Vallely, Mark McCrilly and Eoin Kelly), Marty and his team are attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest busking marathon.
The attempt is part of a cross-community fundraising appeal in partnership with the West Armagh Consortium for this year’s Secret Santa Toy Appeal, which raises money and provides gifts for low-income families.
The official record sits at 24 hours, with the unofficial record at 26 hours and 4 minutes, but Marty and his team are aiming to beat both by playing for a total of 30 hours straight.
The idea was sparked after Marty had a conversation with Liam White, from Philip White Tyres, one night at the gym.
Last year, Philip White Tyres teamed up with the West Armagh Consortium to organise the Christmas appeal, and it didn’t take much convincing to get Marty involved! Wanting to do something extraordinary, the two businessmen put their heads together and came up with something many would see as impossible.
The buskathon will take place at the Bandstand in Market Street, Armagh, beginning on Wednesday, August 27 at 12pm, and — all being well — will run through to 6pm on Thursday, August 28.
With many rules and regulations they must follow, the biggest one is that Marty must remain on stage playing an instrument for the full 30 hours. Other rules include:
-
One person must be playing at all times throughout the attempt
-
Marty can take a 20-minute break after each four-hour block
-
A 30-second break only between each song
-
The same song can’t be played within four hours of each other
-
The attempt must be videoed 24/7, with at least two witnesses present at all times
-
A timer clock must be displayed clearly in the background
With just under three weeks to go, the team have been busy planning behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly and all regulations are followed.
Said Marty: “I’m really looking forward to it, but also very nervous that everything goes to plan. It won’t be plain sailing, but once we get the first four-hour singing block completed and everyone knows what they’re doing, it will hopefully be fine.”
“I’ve obviously never played for so long, so I think the tiredness will be the hardest — and the pain in my fingers from strumming the guitar for that length of time.”
“We’re all pretty confident we will break the record and, most importantly, raise thousands of pounds for low-income families within our community.”
“We hope the public come out and support us too — and sing along! It will really help keep spirits up.”
To donate to this year’s toy appeal, click here.
To donate to this year’s toy appeal, click here.
