Celebrities show their support for Northumberland Communities Together
04 Jun 2020 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Watch Joe's special message here
Former X-Factor winner Joe McElderry has thrown his support behind a dance challenge aimed at spreading sunshine to Northumberland residents.
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 dance challenge is to spread sunshine through this difficult time, and even though we are apart, we can all be part of something.
Residents are being encouraged to copy some of the dance steps in the launch video, or make up their own moves, with the hope of being included in a new video.
Singer-songwriter Joe 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!”
Cllr Cath Homer, Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the voluntary and community sector, added: “We’ve received dozens of entries so far and I can’t wait to see the final result.
“The volunteer community have been working so hard through this pandemic, and this video is a fun way to come together and show your support to communities across the county.”
The team of volunteers working with Northumberland Communities Together have been supporting the county’s 18,200 shielded residents, delivered more than 2000 food parcels, and 10,000 telephone calls have been made and answered responding to lots of different needs from our communities.
The chosen song, ‘Walking on Sunshine’ by Katrina and the Waves was voted for by youth groups in Northumberland and Katrina herself gave her blessing for the song to be used.
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!”
To get involved in the dance challenge, copy some of the dance moves featured in the launch video or make up your own and record yourself dancing to the hit song. Once you’ve recorded your video share it with Northumberland Communities Together at sunshine@northumberland.gov.uk by June 10. Once all entries have been received Northumberland Communities together will release the full ‘Walking on Sunshine’ dance video.
Watch Joe's special message here