North East singer Joe McElderry calls on residents to get their groove on for dance challenge

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, so people can be part of something even if they are apart.

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.

The South Shields born singer-songwriter recorded a special message of encouragement for Northumberland residents:He said: “Get your groove on, be creative and show us some of that Northumbrian spirit!”

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.”

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.

Coun Cath Homer, cabinet member with responsibility for the voluntary and community sector at Northumberland County Council, said: “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.”

To get involved in the challenge, record yourself dancing to the song and share it at [email protected] by June 10. Once all entries have been received the full dance video will be released.

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