IPSWICH is preparing to blow its horn on the world stage as it prepares to break an ambitious Guinness World Record that could bring hundreds of musicians to the city next month.
As part of a new vibrant partnership between Local Ipswich News and Ipswich City Council, the city will attempt to break the record for the world’s largest trombone ensemble on July 12 as part of the 2026 SPARK Ipswich Festival.
The collaboration follows the successful campaign between Local Ipswich News and the Council to bring global superstar Ed Sheeran to Ipswich.
This time, instead of attracting one world-famous performer, the city is aiming to assemble hundreds of brass musicians in a record- breaking performance that could echo around the globe.
The challenge is simple but far from small – gather 400 trombone players in Tulmur Place and break the current Guinness World Record for the largest trombone ensemble ever assembled.
The existing record stands at 368 trombonists, achieved in Washington DC in 2012.
The man behind the bold idea is Ipswich City Big Band Music Director and Education Queensland music teacher Matt Chambers, who turned what began as a light-hearted concept into one of the most unique community events the city has ever attempted.
Inspired by the classic musical number 76 Trombones, Mr Chambers began researching trombone ensemble records before deciding Ipswich should aim much higher.
“I started looking into the existing records and thought, why not go big and have some fun with it while we can,” Mr Chambers said.
The record attempt is about far more than simply breaking a Guinness World Record, with hopes the event will draw visitors into Ipswich while showcasing the city’s thriving arts and cultural community.
“There’s a lot of people who go to Brisbane to do things,” Mr Chambers said.
“I wanted to bring people to Ipswich and show what we’ve got to offer.
“I’m very pro keeping things in Ipswich as much as possible.”
The campaign is already attracting attention from across the country, with registrations coming from interstate as well as throughout Queensland.
Mr Chambers said one of the most rewarding aspects of the campaign so far had been hearing the personal stories behind the registrations.
“It’s bringing out stories like that which is really nice,” he said.
“I just want to get the kids involved and give them something they’ll remember for a long time.”
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the record attempt perfectly captured the city’s bold, creative and community-focused spirit.
“I must congratulate Matt on what a fantastic response we have had so far to this world record attempt,” Mayor Harding said.
“I think there is something here that sparks our competitive nature to be the best in the world – even when it comes to trombones.
“We don’t want to fall flat on the final note, so I am fully behind this final push to ensure we smash this world record.
“This is our only shot to make it count so we need all of Ipswich behind us.”
If successful, Ipswich will not simply break a world record, but it will create one of the largest, loudest and most memorable community celebrations the city has seen.
To register, email [email protected].
