Residents are being encouraged to get involved in a collaborative music video as part of Sunderland City Council’s One Big Summer launch event.

Sunderland’s very own young girl band Northern Daughters have been commissioned by Sunderland City Council to write, produce and perform their original song Open Arms, and residents can get involved too.

Delivered by I-Stage Group (ISG), the project aims to bring together schools, community groups, businesses and residents to create a shared moment of pride and celebration, and is part of the One Big Summer launch event celebrating BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend from Friday, May 22, until Sunday, May 24.

Residents and organisations are invited to take part in a large flashmob-style performance in the city centre, which will be filmed as part of the official Open Arms music video. 

Sunderland’s very own young girl band Northern Daughters have been commissioned by Sunderland City Council to write, produce and perform their original song Open Arms, and residents can get involved too.

placeholder image — Sunderland’s very own young girl band Northern Daughters have been commissioned by Sunderland City Council to write, produce and perform their original song Open Arms, and residents can get involved too.

This will take place on Saturday, May 23, at 3pm in Keel Square, Sunderland.

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.”

Delivered by I-Stage Group (ISG), the project aims to bring together schools, community groups, businesses and residents to create a shared moment of pride and celebration. Photo credit Claire Louise Photography.

In the lead-up to the event, ISG and Northern Daughters will be visiting schools and community groups across Sunderland to teach the Open Arms chorus and a simple, inclusive dance routine designed to be accessible and adaptable for all ages and abilities. 

Paul Waite, founder and CEO of ISG, said: “Open Arms is about bringing Sunderland together – creating something joyful, inclusive and genuinely city-wide. 

"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.” 

Northern Daughters 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.” 

Schools, businesses and community groups interested in being involved can register their interest by emailing [email protected].