Northumberland residents ‘Walking on Sunshine’
01 Jul 2020 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Celebrities have been showing their support for a community dance-along which showcased the county’s kindness.
The “Walking on Sunshine” dance challenge was launched by the Northumberland Communities Together initiative during Mental Health Awareness Week, which focused this year on the theme of ‘Kindness’. The aim of the challenge is to spread sunshine through this difficult time, and even though we are apart, we can all be part of something.
Now Katrina Leskanich, lead singer of Katrina and the Waves who created the song and gave her blessing for the band’s smash hit to be used - has sung this version’s praises.
Pop legend Katrina introduces the final Walking on Sunshine dance video - labelling it an “extraordinary version of Walking on Sunshine”
Residents, volunteers and community groups from across the county got involved - copying the moves from the original video or making up their own with a selection of entries being included in the final production.
Cllr Cath Homer, Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the voluntary and community sector, said: “Northumberland residents have made us proud showing their support for volunteers and community groups. It's been heartwarming seeing everyone come together, have fun and show their Northumbrian Spirit.
“The volunteer community has been working so hard through this pandemic, and this video is a fun way to come together and show thanks to communities across the county.”
Former X-Factor winner and local lad Joe McElderry threw his support behind the community dance video and recorded a special message of encouragement for Northumberland residents:
Joe said: “Get your groove on, be creative and show us some of that Northumbrian spirit!”
The team of volunteers working with Northumberland Communities Together have been supporting the county’s 18,200 shielded residents, delivered more than 3,000 food parcels, and over 20,000 inbound and outbound calls have been made and answered responding to needs from our communities.
Another famous face, Doctor and the Medic’s frontman, Clive Jackson, launched the dance challenge and recorded a message of support which featured in the launch video:
Clive said: “You are all stars, and have proven time and time again that the people of Northumberland always achieve amazing things when they work together.
“So come on Northumberland, let’s get walkin’ on sunshine and lift everyone’s spirits up!”