The Empire State Building in New York, USA, honouring St Patrick's Day on 17th March

On 17th March 2012, to help make it the biggest, best and most enjoyable St Patrick’s Day celebration yet, Guinness is teaming up with hundreds of thousands of people all around the world to celebrate true Irish friendliness by attempting to set a new Guinness World Records (GWR) for the ‘The Friendliest Day of the Year’.

“Every year, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated by millions of people all around the world as a special occasion imbued with the spirit of true Irish friendliness – it has become the perfect opportunity to get together with friends, raise a pint of Guinness and enjoy one of the greatest days of the year,” says Fergal Murray, Master Brewer of Guinness.

“Wherever you are, and whoever you’re with, this St Patrick’s Day, Guinness is encouraging people all around the globe to celebrate with friends and hero the best of the Irish by joining the campaign to make it officially ‘The Friendliest Day of the Year’.”

To take part in setting this world record, fans of St Patrick’s Day, Guinness-lovers and generally friendly folk can make an online pledge (via Facebook or www.guinness.com) or join a St Patrick’s Day party to celebrate true Irish friendliness.

In order to successfully set the world record, on 17th March 2012, GWR adjudicators will be stationed at Guinness events around the globe to painstakingly count the number of people celebrating this famous day, whilst verifying online pledges to assess whether St Patrick’s Day has achieved the records: Most pledges received for a campaign and the Largest St Patrick’s Day Celebration.

If successful, GWR will officially confirm that St Patrick’s Day is ‘The Friendliest Day of the Year’.

In keeping with the spirit of global friendliness, this is the first time that the Guinness and GWR brands have worked together in over ten years. In 2001, GWR was sold by Diageo – the owner of Guinness.

To be a part of setting this GWR, go to www.guinness.com or the official Guinness page on Facebook, click on the ‘COUNT ME IN’ button to pledge and receive your certificate for helping to make this St Patrick’s Day ‘The Friendliest Day of the Year’.

The Friendliest Day of the Year’ will be judged by two GWR titles – the Largest online pledge and the Largest global St Patrick’s Day party.