January 8th, The Arndale Centre, Manchester UK - Escape artist and sideshow performer, David Straitjacket, successfully broke three world records in a single day, and raised an estimated £2000 for the Tsunami relief effort.

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After a night of some of the worst storms to hit the UK for years, The Big Record team arrived at The Arndale Centre, mostly bleary eyed from lack of sleep the night before. The aim, to break some world records and raise some money for the Tsunami appeal in the process. By 11 am the show was underway, with David taking his place on the stage for his first record attempt, the setting of a new world record for the fastest straitjacket escape. After being tightly strapped into the restraint, a high security ‘Posey’ straitjacket, David was checked over by the team of independent assessors. On the first attempt he set a time of 99.9 seconds, higher than the 90 seconds he needed to beat to set the record. A few minutes later, and after a second thorough inspection from the assessors, David tried again, this time the jacket hit the floor after just 81 seconds, a staggering time, and a new world record.

At 1 pm it was the time for an attempt at the fastest ever handcuff escape. The current record being held by Stuart Burrell at just 10 seconds, the regulation police ’speedcuffs’ were checked by the assessors and given the all clear, David was also searched for keys. After a couple of attempts David's fastest time was recorded as just 7.25 seconds, taking more than a quarter off the existing record.

After a short break it was time for the final record attempt of the day, a very dangerous attempt at the record for the fastest escape from a straitjacket whilst balanced on stilts. The same high security ’Posey’ straitjacket was used, but with David perched high up on a pair of Chinese stilts, no crash mats, and no way of breaking his fall if he tipped over. A very risky venture. During the first attempt one of David’s stilts slipped, causing him to fall heavily. Thankfully he was unhurt, the Straitjacket was re-tied, and David was helped back onto his feet to set a new world record of 98.7 seconds.

At the end of the day, a tired David had this to say. “We came here to do two things, to break records, and to raise money for the survivors of the Tsunami’s, we have done both. I could not be happier”

David also threw down the gauntlet to companies wishing to make donations to the charity. “Make me a challenge and put some money on the line, if I succeed, you donate double, how’s that for an offer!

The event was managed by the team at events21, an events management team based in Manchester. They offered their expertise free of charge, and did a great job of holding the day together. They can be found at: www.events21.co.uk. David Straitjacket’s website is at: www.thefreakshow.co.uk

For more information, to make a donation and for sponsorship please visit the website at: www.thebigrecord.com

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