World Book Day World Record Attempt

Pupils from Trafalgar School and Mayfield School took part in an unforgettable citywide celebration of reading on World Book Day 2026, as Portsmouth came together for a Guinness World Record attempt at Fratton Park. The event formed part of In Our Words, a year‑long literacy campaign led by Portsmouth Creates and delivered in partnership with Portsmouth Football Club, Pompey in the Community and Portsmouth Library Services.

Thousands of children and educators from across the city filled the stadium in colourful World Book Day costumes, joining author Dan Freedman for a shared 40‑minute reading lesson that helped set a new Guinness World Record for the world’s largest reading lesson, with 6,715 participants officially recorded.

The atmosphere was described as “a historic moment for the city,” bringing young people together to celebrate stories, build confidence and inspire a lifelong love of reading.

Trafalgar and Mayfield pupils played their part in this city‑wide achievement—an uplifting day of imagination, community spirit and pride in Portsmouth’s commitment to literacy.