Derry hosts Christmas jumper world record attempt

Monday, 19 December 2016 10:26

Hundreds of people donned their finest festive jumpers yesterday in an effort to set a new world record in Londonderry.

The city was attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing Christmas jumpers.

Title-holders Kansas Athletics set the record 3,473 people at a basketball game in 2019.

Everyone's getting into the festive spirit in Derry ahead of the Christmas jumper world record attempt this afternoon pic.twitter.com/sdi9Y5wb7i
— Rebekah Logan (@Rebekah_Logan) December 18, 2016

However, participants will have to wait to find out if they've smashed the record as the final number is sent off for verification.

The event attracted people from across Northern Ireland as well as a number of well-dressed pets.

Even the dogs in the street are getting involved in the world record attempt! pic.twitter.com/Vau60NccDA
— Rebekah Logan (@Rebekah_Logan) December 18, 2016

These participants told Q Radio why they decided to take part:

The iconic ‘Hands Across the Divide’ statue was also decked in Christmas jumpers ahead of the attempt.

Bishop Donal McKeown, Bishop Ken Good and MP Mark Durkan were among those showing their support on the day.

The Foyle representative said the event has brought the city together:

92-year-old Mickey Murray was the first person through the turnstiles at Magazine Gate.

He said the opportunity to help local charities inspired him to take part.

92 year old Mickey Murray was the first person through the turnstiles for today's world record attempt in Derry pic.twitter.com/ZRvMQBbZTg
— Rebekah Logan (@Rebekah_Logan) December 18, 2016

Thousands of pounds raised through registration fees will be donated to a number of local charities including the Foyle Hospice, Concern, Muscular Dystrophy UK #TeamEvan, Children in Crossfire and the Mayor's charities.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, praised the fundraising efforts: