A South Shields primary school choir sang at the official opening of the operations and maintenance base for Dogger Bank Wind Farm at the Port of Tyne.
SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, attended the opening on behalf of the borough.
Jenny Parker, deputy headteacher and music lead at the primary school, said:
“As a school situated in Tyne Dock, it has been wonderful to be involved in such an exciting event taking place on our doorstep and to raise the profile of Dogger Bank Wind Farm, which will be the world’s largest offshore wind farm upon completion.
“To be there at the opening has sparked interest in the children to find out more about renewable energy and the positive impact it has on our world.”
The choir comprises 29 pupils from Years 4, 5 and 6. They sang four songs to the guests as they arrived in the warehouse: Something Just Like This by Coldplay and The Chainsmokers, Rainbow by Kacey Musgraves, Fight Song by Rachel Platten and concluded with Big River by Jimmy Nail.
“The choir sang beautifully, and we received lots of compliments about their performance, particularly their rendition of Big River, which everyone loved,” added Mrs Parker.
Ethan Murry, nine, a Year 4 pupil, said:
“We were very brave to sing in front of the mayor and the other important guests.”
Jesse Carr, nine, a pupil in Year 4, said:
“I felt really underdressed walking in as everyone was in suits and ties. It was really good fun though.”
Holly Walker, eight, also in Year 4, added:
“I thought it was cool that we were given hats and scarves to wear.”
Tom Nightingale, North East Stakeholder Manager for Equinor said:
“The ethos of Dogger Bank Wind Farm is to support local communities and our guests expected local dignitaries to attend the opening ceremony. However, we kept the choir a surprise and they far exceeded our expectations. Feedback so far is that this was the highlight for guests and even UK Minister for Energy and Climate Graham Stuart who attended the event has sent his personal thanks to the brilliant school choir. The acapella version of Big River was amazing for all to hear”.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm is a joint venture between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%). SSE Renewables is lead operator for the development and construction of Dogger Bank Wind Farm. Equinor will be lead operator of the wind farm on completion for its expected operational life of around 35 years.
South Tyneside Music Service emailed schools for interest to sing at the official opening and SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary School was chosen.
There are school places available at SS Peter and Paul in September. For more details, visit www.sspeterandpaul.co.uk
For more information about BCCET, visit www.bccet.org.uk
