Guinness® Sets New World Records

March 2011

Guinness® Sets New World Records, Making St Patrick's Day The Friendliest Day Of The Year'

Sunday 18th March 2012, AUCKLAND – On 17th March 2012, people from across the world united in celebration of St. Patrick's Day which, for the first time ever, went down in history as

The Friendliest Day of the Year'. This is thanks to the efforts of Guinness fans and friends who participated in the world record-breaking campaign from an incredible 161 countries around the world.

Over the past month, Guinness has invited fellow fans of St Patrick's Day and the brand to participate in two GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempts, either by pledging online that they will celebrate true Irish friendliness this St Patrick's Day or by joining Guinness celebrations on 17 th March 2012.

It's a record! In the home of Guinness ®, Master Brewer Gearoid Cahill accepts two GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles from official adjudicator, Katie Forde, marking St Patrick's Day 2012 as officially

The Friendliest Day of the Year' To verify that the 17th March 2012 was officially

The Friendliest Day of the Year', GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ has spent the past 12 hours painstakingly counting the number of online pledges, and the number of people attending Guinness St Patrick's Day events around the world, for two GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS titles – the “Most Pledges received for a campaign” and the “Largest St Patrick's Day celebration”.

With a staggering 435,456 people joining the campaign in the spirit of friendliness, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS has confirmed that the two new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS have been set, marking St Patrick's Day as officially the world's

Friendliest Day of the Year'. “We'd like to say a huge

thank you' to all the fans who helped set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title, for making 17th March 2012

The Friendliest Day of the Year'. It's incredibly heart-warming that friends of Guinness and St Patrick's Day across the world showed their support for the campaign.

“This is testament to the global appeal of Irish culture and the positivity of the day which extends all around the world. Everyone really has made St Patrick's Day 2012 a day to remember, so thanks for being part of the celebrations and we can't wait to celebrate with you all again next year! Slainte!” said Gearoid Cahill, Master Brewer of Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse today.

New Zealand was ranked 10th in the 161 countries that participated in the world record attempt, with an impressive 1,247 pledges made online with countless others out and about being friendly and enjoying Guinness responsibly around the country.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be a part of this world record and so proud that Kiwi Guinness fans embraced the challenge and just went forth and did what comes naturally - being friendly! All who took part can now say that they are a Guinness world record holder – a great yarn to share over a perfect pour of Guinness”. Adrian Hirst, Guinness New Zealand.

In keeping with the spirit of friendliness this is the first time that the Guinness and GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS brands have partnered since 2001 when GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS, the universal authority on record-breaking achievement, was sold by Guinness owners Diageo. With St Patrick's Day 2012 going down in the history books as The Friendliest Day of the Year, Guinness has already begun preparations for 2013, to ensure that the spirit of friendliness continues to be a global phenomenon every year.

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Guinness should be enjoyed on St. Patrick's Day, and any other occasion, responsibly.

NOTES: In addition to the Friendliest Day world record attempt, Guinness in conjunction with Wotif.co.nz are offering the opportunity to win a trip for the four to Dublin including 7 nights accommodation and a VIP tour of the Guinness Brewery at St. James Gate. You must be over 18 years to enter. http://guinness.wotifcompetition.com/?refid=MP2075

ENDS

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