GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS (GWR), the global authority on record-breaking achievements, celebrated five new Guinness World Records titles at the City of London Nocturne on Saturday 13th June, as penny farthing and unicycle riders delivered a spectacular showcase of skill, nerve and cycling heritage.
The official attempts took place ahead of the international Penny Farthing race, with thousands of spectators gathered to watch riders aged from six to 62 attempt records ranging from the largest and smallest rideable penny farthings to blindfolded unicycling and juggling on two wheels.
The five Guinness World Records titles achieved were:
The largest rideable penny farthing; built by Dan Bolwell (Australia) and ridden by Neil Laughton (UK)
The smallest rideable penny farthing; built by Dan Bolwell (Australia) and ridden by Finn Woodward (UK)
The smallest rideable penny farthing; built by Dan Bolwell (Australia) and ridden by Flo Woodward (UK)
The fastest 100 m on a unicycle while blindfolded; achieved by Roger Davies (UK)
The fastest 100 m on a penny farthing while juggling; achieved by Henrik Hedström (Sweden)
Among the headline moments was Neil Laughton, founder and chief instructor of The Penny Farthing Club and a multiple Guinness World Records title holder, who successfully rode Big Bertha, a custom-built 100-inch penny farthing built by Dan Bolwell, to secure the Guinness World Records title for the largest rideable penny farthing.
Young riders Finn (7 years old) and Flo Woodward (6 years old) also entered the record books by riding the smallest rideable penny farthing, while Roger Davies completed the fastest 100 m on a unicycle while blindfolded and Henrik Hedström achieved the fastest 100 m on a penny farthing while juggling.
The event builds on a growing run of penny farthing record-breaking activity, following a major 2024 weekend which saw multiple GWR titles achieved across the discipline, including the longest penny farthing stack, largest penny farthing race in a velodrome, fastest 1 km on a penny farthing and greatest distance on a penny farthing in one hour.
This latest series of attempts brought that momentum into the heart of London, with new titles spanning both the scale of the machines themselves and the skill required to ride, juggle and balance on one of cycling’s most historic and visually striking forms.
Neil Laughton, founder and chief instructor of the Penny Farthing Club, said:
“I was born in London, worked in London and honestly, after riding the world’s largest penny farthing bicycle that’s ever been built, I’m just pleased I didn’t die in London today! It was a fabulous day with five Guinness World Records titles awarded for some extraordinary feats of bravery, skill and focus by boys and girls aged six to 62.
Having thousands of spectators cheering you on was a little unnerving but wonderful at the same time. Thank you to the team at Guinness World Records for your support and to the City of London Nocturne for facilitating our attempts in the middle of their great cycling event.”
Juliet Dawson, official Guinness World Records adjudicator, said:
“Today was a brilliant reminder that record-breaking can be joyful, unusual and incredibly skillful all at once. The Penny Farthing Club has become a real force in this unique corner of cycling, with a growing list of Guinness World Records titles that celebrate the skill, bravery and character of the sport.
What stood out most was the mix of people involved, from experienced riders to the next generation of penny farthing enthusiasts, all willing to take on something genuinely challenging in front of a live crowd.
That sense of people coming together, pushing themselves and being part of an officially amazing moment is at the heart of Guinness World Records, and we’re incredibly proud to recognise the dedication, focus and courage behind today’s achievements.”
The City of London Nocturne provided a fitting backdrop for the attempts, combining heritage cycling culture with world-record ambition in one of London’s most recognisable sporting settings.
