Bolton Wanderers football team is hoping to break a Guinness World Record tonight.

Bolton Wanderers, in partnership with Bolton Council and the University of Bolton, are hoping to break the current Guinness World Record for the largest group of carol singers.

They are urging the community to help make it a reality.

The current record, set in 2014 by Godswill Akpabio Unity Choir in Nigeria, stands at 25,272 singers.

‘The Big Bolton Carol Concert’ will be led by the football club’s chaplain Phil Mason, with the full Bolton Wanderers' playing squad and special guests, who are yet to be announced at the event.

Sharon Brittan, chairman of Bolton Wanderers, said: “Christmas is a special time when families and friends come together and here at Bolton Wanderers the annual Christmas Carol Service provides a timely opportunity for the Bolton family to gather as one and celebrate the true meaning of the festive period through the power of music and song.

The Bolton News: Sharon Brittan, BWFC chief executiveSharon Brittan, BWFC chief executive (Image: BWFC) 

“With the economic climate increasing worries for many families in our town, we wanted to do something a little bit different this year which will raise much-needed funds for those who need it the most in our community.

“We hope the exciting prospect of breaking a Guinness World Record will inspire both Wanderers' supporters and members of our wider community to join us for what is set to be a memorable and magical evening.”

There will be bucket collections on the evening for charities working on the ground in Bolton to support those most in need.

The funds raised will be split equally between Bolton Wanderers in the Community, Urban Outreach Bolton, Backup North West, Age UK Bolton and 1point North West.

Sue Johnson, chief executive of Bolton Council said: “The Big Bolton Carol Concert is a great way of bringing the community together to hopefully set a new world record, while also supporting local causes.

“Bolton is proud of its support for local charities, and I hope many of you will join us for the concert and to think of others at this time of the year.”

The event will take place tonight (December 12) with doors opening at the University of Bolton Stadium at 5.30pm and the concert taking place between 7pm and 8pm.

Professor George Holmes, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: “The University of Bolton Group is delighted to be part of this amazing event, especially being jointly hosted with our key strategic partners BWFC and BMBC in the University of Bolton Stadium.

“We hope that our 12,000-plus students and over 2,000 staff will join in this enjoyable charity event.

“The University, which is now recognised as one of the top 40 universities in the UK by the latest Guardian League Tables, is always striving to put this great town of Bolton on the map and a world record-breaking attempt, which is also for a good cause like this, is a great way to celebrate the end of a very successful autumn term where the university itself has enjoyed record levels of student admissions.

“Let’s sing loud about students and their ongoing success.”

Entry will be free of charge but in order to help verify numbers, concert goers must register via www.eticketing.co.uk/bwfc/EDP/Event/Index/3644.