Bucket brigade steps up for big game

More than 2500 buckets have been sold ahead of this weekend's Turbos clash against Wellington – which will see Manawatu fans bid to get their names in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most people with buckets on their heads.

Manawatu Rugby Union (MRU) is hoping to hand out 5000 buckets before Saturday's game to see the region's name proudly displayed in the record books as the unofficial buckethead capital of the world.

With buckets going for a gold coin donation, the real winners on the day will be Palmerston North Hospital's children's ward, with an expected $12,000 in proceeds going into their coffers.

MRU match-day events manager Mark Long said buckets were selling fast, which showed that the people of Manawatu were proud bucketheads and that they weren't afraid to show their support for the Turbos.

Potential bucketheads are being encouraged to turn up to the Square in Palmerston North tomorrow to dress up their buckets ahead of Saturday's world record bid.

"Kids can come along with mum and dad and bling, beautify, pimp, and bedazzle their buckets," he said.

Turbos players will also be there to sign autographs, practice ball skills and help decorate buckets.

Fans will be able to show off their handy work to Guinness Book of World Records officials by standing up at half time as Mr Long video records the results. The number of bucketheads will then be counted by the officials.

Fans can buy a bucket, for a gold coin donation, from the MRU office at FMG Stadium, the Manawatu Standard and MediaWorks, both on the Square, ITM Manawatu on Joseph St, and the Feilding Information Centre.

The craft event will run from 3.30pm to 5.30pm on Friday and the Turbos match against Wellington is at FMG Stadium on Saturday at 2.35pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News