A flashmob will take over a North East city centre as part of a celebration of music, community, and creativity.
Sunderland City Council has commissioned a project for its One Big Summer launch, led by the city’s own girl band Northern Daughters, who have written an original song titled Open Arms.
The song will be at the heart of a community music video and flashmob performance designed to bring together people of all ages and backgrounds.
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."
Open Arms will be showcased in Keel Square on Saturday, May 23 at 3pm as part of a large flashmob-style performance, which will also be filmed for the official music video.
The event forms part of One Big Summer, a celebration coinciding with BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland from Friday 22 to Saturday 24 May.
Northern Daughters said they are excited to see the city come together.
The band 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."
The project, delivered by I-Stage Group, has received funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Paul Waite, founder and CEO of I-Stage Group, said: "Open Arms is about bringing Sunderland together – creating something joyful, inclusive, and genuinely citywide.
"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."
In the run-up to the performance, ISG and Northern Daughters will visit schools and community groups across Sunderland to teach the chorus and a simple, inclusive routine.
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The choreography is designed to be accessible to all ages and abilities.
Anyone interested in taking part is encouraged to register by emailing enquiries@istagegroup.com.
The routine can also be viewed and rehearsed online via Northern Daughters’ TikTok page at www.tiktok.com/@northerndaughters.
