In Halle, the attempt to break the world record for ugly Christmas sweaters has failed. Just over 1,000 people turned up wearing Christmas jumpers, but almost 3,500 were needed to break the world record. However, the initiative raised over 6,000 euros for charity.
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People of Halle fail to clinch “Ugliest Christmas sweater” world record
Colin Clapson
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‘Let's make the Joseph Possozplein in Halle (Flemish Brabant) the warmest square in Flanders,’ said an appeal from the city authorities, referencing the VRT’s big Christmas fundraiser ‘De Warmste Week’, to bring together as many Halle folk as possible wearing ugly Christmas jumpers. ‘Put on your most colourful, funniest or ugliest jumper and come and celebrate with us. Taking part is very easy: put on your Christmas jumper, come to the square and enjoy yourself,’ the appeal read.
The organisers hoped for at least 3,475 participants – one more than the current world record – but in the end only 1,042 people braved the pouring Halle rain. Still, that didn't spoil the fun.
‘Why am I here? For the fun of it and to enjoy the fine fare,’ says a woman who has come to the Joseph Possozplein with her grandson. ‘I've had my Christmas jumper for years and I always wear it in December; it's such a cosy jumper. The atmosphere here is great, and it makes a difference from carnival costumes.’
Good cause benefits
Despite the fact that the world record was not broken, the organisers were satisfied. The sale of the ugly Christmas jumpers, which the city had had made, raised almost 6,000 euros. More than 800 jumpers were sold, while the organisers had initially expected only to sell 150.
The proceeds will go to a charity as part of VRT Christmas fundraiser ‘De Warmste Week’.