A TOWN’S ‘tone deaf’ Mayor has launched a search for a musical street to help him deliver some festive cheer.

The Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Chris McEwan, wants to get the local community singing a carol together just before Christmas.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, mass gatherings can’t take place, so the idea is for Darlington residents, schoolchildren and community groups to film themselves singing ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ while following all Covid-safety regulations.

The recordings can then be sent to the Mayor’s Facebook page, before being edited into a compilation video and shared as a social media singalong.

However, the Mayor wants to identify a street that will help him lead the singing and set the tone – live at 7pm on December 17.

Cllr McEwan said: “It’s really sad that we can’t all get together for a big community carol concert this year, but I’m determined that the pandemic won’t stop us from having some festive fun.

“The aim is to find a street brimming with community spirit, and residents who’ll be happy to sing along at a safe distance from their doorsteps.

“The plan is for me to turn up in the Mayoral robes on December 17 and join in with the carol at 7pm. No one needs to be shy because there can’t possibly be anyone who’s more tone deaf than me.”

Darlington Operatic Society is supporting the idea by providing an instruction video and backing track for everyone wishing to take part.

“We all need to be singing from the same song-sheet, so I’m grateful to the operatic society for their expert guidance,” said Cllr McEwan.

Darlington churches and schools have agreed to contribute videos, and the Mayor is also hoping to recruit the emergency services, care homes, supermarkets, NHS workers and other large employers. The videos need to be sent before December 17 and will be uploaded onto a YouTube channel.

“As long as the videos are made by people in bubbles, or at a Covid-safe distance, it’s a case of the more the merrier,” he said.

So, has your street got what it takes to be at the centre of the musical initiative? Could you be on the road to stardom?

  • Street nominations, plus community videos, should be sent via www.facebook.com/MayorOfDarlington. Also, keep an eye on that page for the backing-track, the hashtag to be used when sharing the videos on social media, plus other updates.