Bonfire builders hoping for official world record in Larne

Craigyhill bonfire in Larne could reach over 200 feet tall

Bonfire builders have been working on the pyre for the past three months
Published 9th Jul 2024
Last updated 9th Jul 2024

Bonfire builders in Larne are hoping to get a world record this week for the tallest bonfire in the world.

It is estimated Craigyhill bonfire in Larne is around 200 feet tall, which could beat the current official world record which stands at around 198 feet.

Bonfire builder John explains how the measuring will work:

"The land survey team, they'll come in, they're coming from Scotland, they'll measure it with their laser.

"It's to do with lasers and satellites and stuff they have to measure it with and they'll do all that and then give us the documents."

The bonfire has been in the planning for the past year and it has taken around three months to erect the pyre, with night guards protecting the site at night.

John says it is a huge community effort:

"The community's right behind it every step of the way, they're the driving force behind it and they want us to do it.

"If it wasn't for the community, the local businesses, this wouldn't be possible.

"They donate money, they donate food throughout the three months of building they donate food to the guys at night that's on guard duty."

Visitors come from far and wide to see the bonfire.

John says they take pictures and videos.

"Peoples coming from all over the world to see this here attempt...there's people coming from America, New Zealand, everywhere."

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