Watch Northern Daughters take over Sunderland landmarks in new anthem for the city

"The girls have enormous ambitions, and they want to show other young people what can happen when you believe in yourself and are given the opportunity to shine,” says the manager of Northern Daughters as the Sunderland girl band release their new video.

The video for Open Arms was shot over the summer, with the band teaching the song’s dance at schools and groups across the city, culminating in a flashmob performance filmed in Keel Square in May.

It’s a video for the debut single for the band - made up of Izzy Gettins, 14; Lola Waite, 14; Lola Cairns, 15; Annette Ambang, 15; Isabelle Dutton, 16 and Molly Daymond, 17 - who hope to spread a message of unity with their music.

The video was launched this month with an event at City Hall as part of I-Stage Group's (ISG) Open Arms community and engagement project in partnership with Sunderland City Council.

It sees the band take over the city, driving around on their very own Northern Daughters open top bus, provided by Go North East, and stopping off at iconic landmarks and businesses synonymous with Sunderland, from the Stadium of Light and Winter Gardens to Penshaw Monument and Roker Lighthouse.

The video’s release comes in a busy year for the girls who’ve garnered millions of likes on TikTok.

Northern Daughters first met at Inspire Stage School, based at Castle View Academy, where they have performed alongside each other for between three and 10 years.

Gemma Waite, Principal at Inspire Stage School and Manager of Northern Daughters, said: "This has already been an incredible first year for Northern Daughters and we are immensely proud of everything the girls are achieving.

"They are six very different personalities, but they share such a strong friendship, an incredible work ethic and a genuine love of performing. When they step onto a stage together, their energy and connection are impossible to miss.

"Releasing Open Arms was a huge moment for them as they are so proud to come from Sunderland and the song is all about growing up here and spreading that message far and wide.

"To have created the music video in Sunderland, surrounded by so many local people, schools and organisations, makes it even more special. The reaction has been fantastic and we can’t wait for even more people to see it.

"The girls have enormous ambitions, and they want to show other young people what can happen when you believe in yourself and are given the opportunity to shine. This really is only the beginning."

Councillor Ciera Hudspith, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Heritage said: “Open Arms is a fantastic example of how culture and creativity can bring people together, create opportunities and celebrate the talent and spirit we have here in Sunderland.

“The song has become much more than a piece of music - it is a lasting legacy from BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, showing what can happen when local talent, schools and communities are given the chance to be part of something creative and ambitious.

“We were delighted to support the project through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, helping to ensure that the excitement around the weekend created something meaningful and lasting for communities across the city.”