US

A city named Kyle is calling on namesakes from around the world to help it break a record… for the largest gathering of Kyles.

The Texas city is hoping to bring together thousands of people with the first name Kyle in order to clinch the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people with the same name.

But it will pit them against the current record holders – Ivan.

A total of 2,325 Ivans gathered in the Bosnian town of Kupreski Kosci in 2017 to claim the crown.

However, the city of Kyle will be hoping to attract an even bigger turnout for the “Great Gathering of Kyles”, which will take place during its annual Kyle Fair later this month.

Issuing “The Call of the Kyles” on the city’s Facebook page, a spokesperson wrote: “In order to have a chance at breaking this record we need Kyles from near and far to take part.

“We need tall Kyles, short Kyles, young Kyles and old Kyles.”

It is the fourth time the city of Kyle has attempted to break the record.

But there are strict rules in place as to who is eligible to be a Kyle in the record attempt.

Firstly, those taking part must have the first name Kyle. It also must be spelt Kyle – as variations will not be accepted.

“We cannot accept middle names or last names. All participants must have the name ‘Kyle’ – spelt that way,” organisers wrote.

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“Various iterations of ‘Kyle’ such as Kyler, Kiel, or Kylee, are not accepted.

“Kyles of all ages are able to participate.”

The event has even gained the support of an 11,000-strong community of Kyles on Reddit – a place for “Kyles and Kyle enthusiasts” – which has shared links to promote the world record attempt.

The “Great Gathering of Kyles” will take place on Sunday 21 May at the end of the city’s annual Kyle Fair, which lasts for three days and includes live music, rides and a rib cooking contest.

“All Kyles that participate in the Gathering of the Kyles will receive a free t-shirt, some other goodies, and be serenaded by one of their own, Kyle Daniel,” a spokesperson for the event wrote.

“Entry to the Kyle Fair is free as well as attendance to all live music performances.”

Those named Kyle hoping to take part in the world record attempt must bring proof of identification and provide an address and a contactable email address or phone number.