News Article

Girls from Westfield School in Gosforth have proved they are passionate about music with an award-winning song that sings the praises of North East England.

Their carol, ‘Christmas on the Tyne’ was picked as the winner of Century’s Xmas Singalong Factor by a prestigious line up of judges from the music world including former Dire Straits star Alan Clark, Polydor’s Tony Myers and singer and Century presenter Jo Lloyd.

Over 100 primary schools from around the region entered the competition run by Century fm in conjunction with the ‘Passionate people.  Passionate places’ campaign to promote North East England. 

The competition was designed to get pupils thinking about the great things about the region and incorporate them into an original composition or adaptation of a traditional song, which showed passion for both music and the North East.

More than 50 girls from Westfield School, aged nine to 11, will now go on to record their song at Century fm’s studios and will be presented with their own CD.

Stacy Hall, Director of Communications at One North East, said:

“This is the first year Century fm has run the Xmas Singalong in the North East and it’s been fantastic to see the amount of imagination and effort that has gone into all the entries to the competition. 

“To tie in with our campaign to raise the profile of North East England, we were keen to challenge schools across the region to compose a carol with a passionate theme.   Many drew on our iconic landmarks and the friendliness of North East people for inspiration - things which feature heavily in the ‘Passionate people.  Passionate places’ campaign. 

“The standard of all the entries was extremely high and I’d like to congratulate everyone who took part.”

Caroline Duff, Marketing Controller at 100-102 Century fm, said:

“Century fm listeners are passionate about music and passionate about North East England.  Xmas Singalong Factor was the perfect platform for schools and families to embrace these values and celebrate the talent and energy that we have in our region.  The standard was extremely high and the judges had a tough decision on their hands, but Christmas on the Tyne was an outstanding winner.”

Westfield teacher Katherine Pugh put the words of the song to music: “The girls made it really easy for me, because the words are so lively. We are thrilled to have won the competition, because we are all so passionate about the region,” said Katherine.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

One North East is leading the regional image campaign for North East England. The campaign harnesses the region’s best assets to position North East England as a great place to do business, live, work, study and visit. Aiming to create strong and positive new perceptions about the North East regionally, nationally and internationally, the "Passionate People. Passionate Places" campaign features the very best the region has to offer through its people and the key areas of history and heritage, coast and countryside, city culture and innovative business. For more information please visit www.northeastengland.co.uk