GUITARISTS from across the country are signing up to help break the world record for the largest electric guitar ensemble at Ealing Blues Festival. It's in aid of the pioneering charity, Brain Tumour Research.

Dave Pile, a life-long guitar player and carpenter, lost his mother, June, to a brain tumour in March 2013 and is now organising a Guinness World Record attempt to raise funds for research into the disease.

The Great Guitar Challenge will be taking place on Sunday, July 22, at the annual Ealing Blues Festival and, to break the record, Dave requires 450 guitarists to join him on the day and play Heroes by David Bowie.

The current world record was achieved by Sky Group (India) in January 2013 when 368 players assembled in India.

Laurence Knight, lead singer tribute band The Bowie Experience, will sing on the day as hundreds of guitarists play the iconic David Bowie song.

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Dave said: “My idea to break a world record came about two years after losing my mum to a brain tumour. I’ve been raising money for Brain Tumour Research over the last year or so but this latest venture is proving to be the toughest!

“I’m calling on all guitarists to join us and help smash the world record.

"It saddens me that so little is known about this disease and that less than 20% of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years, compared with an average of 50% across all cancers.”

Guitarists can register for the event via Eventbrite and the ticket price includes a donation to Brain Tumour Research.

It entitles participants to a new Blackstar Fly 3 micro amp, a T-shirt to mark the event and a free day’s entry to the Ealing Blues Festival.

For more information, visit www.greatguitarchallenge.com