13,000 Santas in Derry world record bid

Over 13,000 Santas today walked Derry's walls today in a world record-breaking charity event.

Over 13,000 Santas today walked Derry's walls today in a world record-breaking charity event.

Some of the 13,000 Santas who gathered at the Guildhall in Derry City to break the world record for the amount of Father Christmas' in one place.
Some of the 13,000 Santas who gathered at the Guildhall in Derry City to break the world record for the amount of Father Christmas' in one place.

They were attempting to break the  Guinness world record for most Santas in the one place. The previous record was set in Las Vegas.

There was a carnival atmosphere with live music and victorious Derry boxer John Duddy arriving in the middle of the festivities, fresh from last night's performance in Belfast's King's Hall against Howard Eastman.

A spokeswoman for the organisers said: "It was the most amazing sight you have ever seen. We could hardly cope with the number of people registering (for the parade).

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"There have been bands playing Christmas carols, different people who would be known locally, the atmosphere is just incredible."

It took over an hour for the procession of rosy-cheeked and bearded Santas to walk along the walls after gathering in the city's Guildhall and passing through Magazine Gate this morning. SDLP leader and Foyle MLA Mark Durkan was among those who took part.

Money was raised for Foyle Hospice, ICARE charity for children with autism, McMillan Cancer Support and Children in the Crossfire.

PA