Sherlock fever has gripped Yorkshire.
A charity’s campaign to set a new Guinness World Records title for the Most People Dressed as Sherlock Holmes has gone viral.
And even two of the Huddersfield Giants stars got involved with Scott Grix and Chris Bailey donning distinctive deerstalkers down at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Sherlock Holmes, one of the most popular consulting detectives of all time, is on the case to help raise money for the Yorkshire Brain Research Centre at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals. The Guinness World Records attempt promises to be the biggest Sherlock party ever when it takes place on August 31 in Temple Newsam, Leeds, from noon. The entry fee is £15 and every participant will receive a Deerstalker hat, pipe and magnifying glass on the day of the event. The minimum number of people required to set a new Guinness World Records title is 250 participants.
Clair Challenor-Chadwick, appeal director of the Yorkshire Brain Research Centre, said: “Sherlock is the perfect fit for brain research as the brainiest detective of all time was born in Yorkshire. He is helping us raise awareness of this much under-funded area and to help patients with dementia, epilepsy, Parkinson’s and MS.
“You don’t have to be a super fan to join in, everyone is welcome to come and help support this crucial cause and the great thing about Sherlock is he’s loved by so many across the generations.
“It’s going to be a fun family day out, and we’re asking Yorkshire to get behind the event, be part of a World Record, and help the new Brain Research Centre make life changing differences”.
A spokesperson from Guinness World Records said: “We’d like to wish everyone participating in this attempt the very best of luck. It’s for a great cause, and hopefully by the end you’ll be official Guinness World Records holders”.
The event has galvanised world-wide support with donations from Chile, France, USA, Canada, Japan and Mexico. Sherlocks have been popping up all over Yorkshire and from around the world on social media, with Sherlock fans posting #sherlockselfie pics to help raise awareness of brain research and the world record attempt.
