As part of Sunderland City Council’s One Big Summer launch event in May, residents are being invited to take part in an exciting anthem and music video project led by Northern Daughters.
The council has commissioned the Sunderland-based group to write, produce and perform an original track titled Open Arms, celebrating the city’s people, culture and energy with a message of inclusion and welcome. Delivered by I-Stage Group, the project will bring together schools, community groups, businesses and residents to create a shared moment of pride and celebration.
This is part of One Big Summer launch event celebrating BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend coming to Sunderland on Friday 22 to Saturday 24 May.
Sunderland organisations and residents are being invited to take part in a large flashmob-style performance in the city centre, which will be filmed as part of the official Open Arms music video. This will take place on Saturday 23 May at 3pm in Keel Square, with anyone wanting to take pert being asked to arrive early.
In the lead-up to the event, ISG and Northern Daughters will be visiting schools and community groups across Sunderland to teach the Open Arms chorus and a simple, inclusive routine designed to be accessible and adaptable for all ages and abilities. Schools, businesses and community groups are encouraged to get involved. To register interest, email enquiries@istagegroup.com.
Participants can also view and practise the choreography online via Northern Daughters’ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@northerndaughters
Peter McIntyre, Executive Director of Economy and Place at Sunderland City Council, said:
“Open Arms is a brilliant way to bring the city together as we launch One Big Summer. With Radio 1’s Big Weekend on the horizon, this project celebrates the creativity, talent and community spirit that make Sunderland special. We want as many people as possible to get involved and help create a moment the whole city can be proud of.”
Paul Waite, Founder & CEO, I-Stage Group (ISG), said:
“Open Arms is about bringing Sunderland together – creating something joyful, inclusive and genuinely city-wide. We’re proud to be delivering this with Northern Daughters and we’d love schools, businesses, community groups, and residents to join us in Keel Square and be part of the official music video.”
Northern Daughters said:
“We can’t wait to share Open Arms with Sunderland. This is our home, and we want as many people as possible to be part of it – learning the chorus, joining the routine, and showing everyone what Sunderland is all about.”
This project has received funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
