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Woman Sets Sights On World Record For People Gathering In Dinosaur Suits

Woman Sets Sights On World Record For People Gathering In Dinosaur Suits

She's hoping to break the world record when lockdown rules are eased

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A woman has her sights set on hosting the largest ever gathering of people in dinosaur costumes once lockdown rules have been relaxed.

Dawn Lapthorn, 46, is hoping to set the world record, which is currently held by a group of 252 people who met in Los Angeles in 2019.

Head dino Dawn Lapthorn.
PA Real Life

And, although we're currently still living under lockdown rules, mum Dawn is hopeful she'll be able to smash the record after thousands of people have joined her Dinosaurs of Plymouth (UK) and Surrounding Areas Facebook group.

Dawn, who lives in Plymouth, said: "My youngest son took it, so I bought one of the giant inflatable ones to wear for myself.

"Now the three of us have giant dinosaur costumes. We have been shopping as a family in Tesco in them, although I had to bribe my daughter to come with me."

Shortly after launching her Facebook group, Dawn joined forces with other dino-loving groups across the UK and has more than 6,000 members so far.

Another dino cosplayer in the park.
PA Real Life
PA Real Life

She added: "The first day I set up the site we got 1,000 members.

"Now we've passed 6,000 fans all over Britain and we've got members all over the world, including Australia and South Beach in Miami.

"Over 200 people have now said they have costumes or are planning to get one.

"So, once life returns to normal, we are planning to get over 252 fans in inflatable dino costumes together on Plymouth Hoe to beat the existing world record, which was set in Los Angeles, USA, in 2019.

"People have promised to come from all over Britain."

Dawn Lapthorn in costume.
PA Real Life
PA Real Life

In the meantime, Dawn encourages people to don their dinosaur costume to get out and about and says it brings a bit of joy at a time when there hasn't been much to celebrate.

She added: "I go out as a dinosaur a couple of times a week, but some people do it more often.

"Our members are mostly T-Rexes, but you do also get triceratops. There are even ones with reins that you can ride.

"The average price for an inflatable costume is about £30, but there are some dearer ones.

"Kids are always accusing their parents of being dinosaurs, but in my case it's true and I'm proud of it."

Featured Image Credit: PA Real Life

Topics: Interesting, Weird, UK