Bullmania 2.0 Returns as Pro-Excel and Bradford Bulls Light Up Bartercard Odsal Stadium with World Record Show
Bullmania 2.0 returned to Bartercard Odsal Stadium in spectacular fashion as Pro‑Excel Dance Yorkshire delivered a history‑making mass participation performance that has now been officially recognised with a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title. The landmark show took place on Friday 20 March 2026, featuring globally acclaimed DJ and producer Sigala performing live alongside vocalist Shanice Steele in front of more than 10,000 spectators.
A total of 1,123 young people performed with Sigala and Shanice Steele, successfully setting a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the largest number of backing dancers performing with a singer. The official record is listed as:
“The most backing dancers to a singer is 1,123 and was achieved by Pro‑Excel, Bradford Bulls RLFC, Sigala and Shanice Steele in Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK, on 20 March 2026.”
Participants aged from 5 to 28 represented 43 schools and organisations from across the UK, Ireland and the Isle of Man. Many travelled significant distances, with some flying or sailing to Bradford to take part and represent their communities on a national stage.
The performance was the culmination of a year‑long rehearsal programme delivered by Pro‑Excel’s professional teaching team, who worked directly in schools and community settings before bringing all performers together for the first time in a live stadium environment. The project aimed to unite young people through sport and the arts, raise aspiration and create experiences that will stay with them for life.
The show formed the headline of the pre‑match entertainment ahead of the Bradford Bulls’ Betfred Super League clash with the Huddersfield Giants, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The night captured the return of a full‑scale Bartercard Odsal Stadium matchday experience, with fireworks, music and performance creating a high‑energy atmosphere under the lights. For many, it marked a revival of the Bullmania feel that made Friday nights in Bradford so iconic within UK sport.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Pro‑Excel, who now reclaim a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for a second time, having originally set the same record at Twickenham Stadium on 23 April 2011 with 546 performers alongside Heather Small.
Kieran O’Reilly, spokesperson for Pro‑Excel, said:
“To set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title on this scale is a huge achievement, but more importantly it represents the collective effort of 1,123 young people who committed themselves to the process over many months. To see them perform live in a stadium environment, alongside artists like Sigala and Shanice Steele, is exactly what this project is about. It is about creating moments that stay with them for life.”
Sigala said:
“It was an incredible experience to make history with so many talented singers and dancers at Bartercard Odsal Stadium. To walk away as GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title holders is a huge honour, and I’m very proud to have been a part of it.”
A spokesperson for the Bradford Bulls added:
“This felt reminiscent of 20 years ago when the Bulls game day experience was among the most talked about and revered in UK sport. With the fireworks, the lights and the atmosphere back at Bartercard Odsal Stadium, it felt like those Friday nights had truly returned.”
Pro‑Excel has confirmed that an even more ambitious Pro‑Excel Dance Yorkshire project will return to Bartercard Odsal Stadium as part of a wider programme of national, domestic and international events. The programme will continue to bring together elite sport, recognised music industry talent and large‑scale creative opportunities for young people.
Expressions of interest are now open for schools, academies, colleges and youth organisations wishing to be part of future projects, offering opportunities to train with industry professionals and take part in large‑scale live performances alongside professional artists.
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