25/05/2026
Keel Square… wow. What a day for Sunderland!
Open Arms, an ISG project, created as a legacy piece for Sunderland to celebrate BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend coming to the city — and seeing hundreds of people turn up to be part of the flashmob-style performance was everything we hoped it would be (and more). The energy, the pride, the togetherness… unreal.
This marks a huge milestone for the project:
Community outreach delivered. Keel Square delivered. Next up: the location film shoots.
A massive thank you to the people who’ve helped make this happen so far:
Sunderland, UK — especially Adam, Clair, Marian, Geeta and Clair, and the whole council team for backing the vision and supporting delivery.
Northern Daughters — for leading this with such heart, talent and professionalism.
Dan — for hosting workshops across the city and leading the Keel Square performance brilliantly.
Our incredible camera crew: Rich, Nathan and Matt — for capturing the day so beautifully.🎥
Greg James at BBC Radio 1 — thank you for the shout-out, it gave the project a real boost.
The full ISG team behind the scenes — Will, Duncan, Peter, Debbie, Claire and Gemma — for the planning, the graft and the calm heads that make big moments like this possible.
Peter Waite for producing an outstanding track
Special mention to Gemma Waite, Northern Daughters’ manager (and Momager) — outstanding leadership throughout. What she’s built with the girls is something to be proud of.
And finally, to everyone who came down, joined in, brought their friends and family, and helped create that atmosphere — thank you.
This is Sunderland at its best.
On to the next stage. 🎥
Go North East
North East BIC
Paul Waite
Photography 📸
Canvas
motion
council
’m bored northeast
Dixon 📸