Cirencester father and son duo smash drumming world record (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cirencester father and son duo smash drumming world record

11:00am Wednesday 29th July 2009 in News By Emma Tilley

A CIRENCESTER father and son duo helped smash the world record for the largest number of drummers playing at the same time.

Tim Downes-Hall, 37, and his son Will, 12, were two of 582 drummers who took part in the attempt at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham to raise money for the charity, Stick it to MS.

The previous record was set in America by 533 drummers.

"The atmosphere was amazing and there were some top drummers there," Tim said. "The noise was the equivalent of Concord taking off."

Actor John Thompson, of Cold Feet fame, turned up to take part as he has been playing the drums for years.

Tim said: "It was such a big hall that there was a delay at the back so everyone had to pay attention to the conductor to make sure we were all in time. But it sounded good."

"The noise was the equivalent of Concord taking off."

Tim Downes-Hall

The talented pair raised £200 for the Multiple Sclerosis charity.

Tim, who has been drumming for 23 years, said Will has been around the drums since he was born and will be entering Young Drummer of the Year.

And the practice has paid off as the pair won Best Musical Performance at this year's Yate Talent Show.