Want the best food, film, music, arts and culture news sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for regular updates of events happening in Wales Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A bizarre new world record was set at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday afternoon – when hundreds of people dressed as elephants.

South Wales bereavement charity 2 Wish Upon A Star was behind the unusual new record, which was officially recognised by Guinness World Records, as the charity encouraged young and old to join them at the home of Welsh rugby dressed as its mascot.

The record of people dressed as elephants had never been set before so the charity needed at least 250 elephants to book its place in the history books.

And there was a very strict dress code – all participants had to dress in a full elephant costume, from head to toe, including suitable footwear and a headpiece with ears, elephant trunk, tusks and a tail.

Here's what they all looked like:

In the baking heat on Saturday afternoon, 387 elephants were counted at the stadium and after Guinness World Records adjudicator Jack Brockbank deducted two elephants for breaking the dress code the Pontyclun charity was awarded the record, with a final score of 385.

2 Wish Upon A Star was founded by Rhian Burke in 2012 after she suffered the sudden loss of her son George and husband Paul.

An important part of the charity’s work is to raise awareness of child bereavement and support suddenly-bereaved parents.

'Elephants never forget... we never forget'

Rhian said: “It was so emotional and I was speechless at the turnout, and the fact we’ve set a new record.

“The idea was mine. The elephant is the charity’s mascot and represents what we are all about – elephants never forget and we never forget about people who are no longer here.

“We’re hoping lots of people are made aware of us now, and that they know we are here if you need us.

“I’d like to thank everyone who’s helped organise the event and contributed to the record today.”

Mr Brockbank added: “The charity got in touch having had the idea for this particular record.

“It’s a new record in the mass participation category. And generally for new attempts like this there is a minimum requirement for 250 people to set a record.

“It’s been really well organised and everyone has clearly made a great effort.

“There are strict rules with the costumes, and they are made by experts in the chosen field. So the mass participation team would have come up with those.

“The record needs to be quantifiable, verifiable, standardisable and breakable. In other words, it needs to be able to be attempted exactly like this anywhere in the world.

“So the charity has today thrown down a gauntlet, saying to the world ‘beat this if you can.’”

Catherine Powell, 37, of Pontyclun, was a part of the record with her children Isla, aged six, and Elliot, four.

She said: “As a mum it’s quite an emotive charity, and I’ve got involved in a few of the charity events this year.

“It’s my first time in a onesie!

“And we had a few tusk issues with our costumes, but we visited the elephant hospital here and now we’re good to go.”

Monique David, of Porthcawl, who took part with her husband Neil, children Odette, six, and Leo, four, added: “The rules were complicated but fair.

“Amazon helped us out a lot with the outfits, and we’ve had great fun being here. The children are loving it.”

Gayree Wong, 34, of Tonyrefail, and Mary Wong, 33, were part of the attempt with seven-year-olds Thomas, seven, Harry, four, and Isaac, seven.

Gayree said: “There’s been a brilliant turnout, which shows how much the charity has grown.

“The weather has come out for us too, and it’s been a great day.”