Flash mob staged at Grey’s Monument in Newcastle

May 23 2009 by Jon Tunney, The Journal

NEWCASTLE city centre was turned into an impromptu dance floor after an internet-organised stunt.

More than a hundred people gathered to stage a flash mob at Grey’s Monument in Newcastle city centre.

Stunned shoppers stopped in their tracks as a gang of people, young and old, broke into dance to MC Hammer’s U Can’t Touch This.

And pensioners from Age Concern tapped their feet and entertained scores of shoppers, while youngsters from the city’s Dance Centre, on Grainger Park Road, performed several routines.

The event was organised to kickstart a new campaign which aims to get the whole of Newcastle moving while taking up a new sport or skill.

Active Newcastle is a new website to help residents lead a more active and enjoyable life. With just a few clicks you can search for activities available close to you and across the city.

When you enter the postcode into the website it will highlight the closest venues to your home where you can experience and learn new skills and activities. Security guard Stephen Yarrow, who lives in Rothbury Terrace, Heaton, Newcastle, was in the city centre when he found himself surrounded by dancers.

He said: “It took me by surprise. But its a great idea to get people interested in becoming more active.”

The 27-year-old said: “It’s not every day you see something like this.”

Organisers believe nearly 200 people took part. Claire Hanson, 27, from Northumberland Dance, helped organise the flash mob. She said: “Being a dancer I decided to organise a flash mob to get some awareness for the Active Newcastle campaign. It is to promote people getting fit and that is obviously something I do for a living so it is great.”

The launch of the four-year campaign, leading up to the 2012 Olympics, gave people the chance to try out rowing machines and play basketball. It is supported by Newcastle City Council, Sport England and Newcastle Primary Care Trust.

Coun Pauline Allen, the council’s executive member for culture, libraries and sport, said: “Getting involved in a new sport or activity can be a bit daunting but this amazing website will give people a chance to find out which one is right for you.” To find out more visit www.activenewcastle.co.uk.