Posted on Friday 1st May 2020
A group video sing-along of the Robbie Williams anthem Angels, to say thank you to the nation’s keyworkers, has gone live online to mark Staffordshire Day.
More than 150 people from Staffordshire, including nurses and carers, recorded videos of themselves singing Robbie’s classic hit, as a tribute to the thousands of ‘angels’ keeping the country going through the Coronavirus crisis.
They were then submitted to tourism body Enjoy Staffordshire, and edited into one video by Staffordshire County Council, which is now available to view at www.enjoystaffordshire.com/angels.
It’s all part of the online-only Staffordshire Day celebrations, which take place on Friday 1st May, and feature a host of live streamed and pre-recorded poetry readings, art classes, live music and cooking demonstrations.
Mark Winnington, Cabinet Member responsible for tourism at Staffordshire County Council and Vice Chair of Destination Staffordshire, said:
“This year’s Staffordshire Day is all about bringing people together and thanking those amazing groups and individuals who are helping us get through the Coronavirus pandemic.
“We all know what a wonderful county Staffordshire is, and this is our chance to tell the world. I would like to say a special thanks to everyone who took part in our mass sing-along video to Robbie Williams’ Angels.
“Robbie’s one of our own and we’re very proud of him in Staffordshire, and the song is hugely uplifting and meaningful. It’s the perfect way to thank all our angels who have stepped up to get the nation through the Coronavirus crisis.
“I hope everyone is able to join in with the online activities, share the posts and show everyone how proud we all are of our great county and wonderful people.”
Jayne Bateman is a senior infection prevention and control nurse at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton. She is based at Queen’s Hospital, Burton upon Trent. She said:
“Taking part in the Angels sing-along was a fantastic opportunity for people to unite in a song that brings us all together even though we don’t know each other.
“I’m sure it has brought a sense of pride and respect for the community, and a few minutes of joy for those involved, and also those who will watch it.
“I am truly looking forward to seeing and hearing the final video. It really has been a great way of bringing the whole community together.”
Darren Tudor is a social care assessor for Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, based in South Staffordshire. He said:
“I have seen first-hand how this pandemic is affecting everyone and I think doing the video has helped bring us all together while having a lot of fun.
“I wanted to do something or be part of something to lift people’s spirits and being involved in the video has helped us do just that.”
Information on this year’s Staffordshire Day programme can be found at www.enjoystaffordshire.com/staffordshireday