​More than 200 people were singing in the rain today after setting a new world record in Bath.

And it was an apt one at that.

Some 232 people joined together in Laura Place to dance with umbrellas to create the new record as part of the Bath International Dance Festival.

The dancers performed a specially arranged and choreographed version of ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ from the classic 1952 film of the same name starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds.

Guinness World Records adjudicators, Jack Brockbank and Daniel Sharkey, made the journey from London to Bath to ensure the dance fulfilled the requirements, with every participant dancing for a full five minutes.

Mr Bockbank said: “When we were contacted about the attempt we thought it was iconic enough to create a new category. We set the minimum number of dancers at 200 to be at an impressive amount for anyone who wants to challenge the record next time. For us the main reason we enjoy world record attempts is because, particularly ones such as this, they are such a great way to get people and communities together.”

Andrea Mina, who took part in the challenge with daughters five-year-old Rio and seven-year-old Ruby, said: “I think it is amazing for children to be able to say they have been involved creating such a fun and good-humoured record.”

Ten-year-old Chloe Bell said: “I watched the film with my gran for the first time last week and have been practising the steps ever since. I hope they do more things like this - it was fun.”

Festival director James Whitehead, praised the people who were involved setting the record, saying: “You have made our dreams come true.”

The event was supported by Bath and North East Somerset Council. Chairman Bryan Chalker came out to support what he described as an ‘absolutely fantastic occasion’ but stopped short of joining the dancers because he was nursing cuts and bruises after being in collision with a van the day before.

The three day dance festival continues tomorrow with various dance classes in the Assembly Rooms from 10am till 12noon and the Dancestars Show from 2pm till 5pm.

Dancestars features performances from Aidan Davis from Britain’s Got Talent 2009, Swing Latino, f.a.b – The Detonators, Tango In Action, Bongo Bolero, Hoppin’ Mad and Fun Mandarin Chinese Dancers.

See bathdancefest.org.uk for more details.