‘We’ll meet again’ – Schools across the North East come together to celebrate VE Day 75 with virtual choir

A North East academy trust hosted a virtual school choir to unite students and staff in celebration of the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

More than 180 pupils and teachers from 10 schools – including those in Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham – got involved with a rendition of Dame Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again.

The song was made famous in the Second World War era and is holding great significance during the coronavirus pandemic.

Brendan Tapping, chief executive officer at Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, said: “We are all missing normal school life, so we wanted to do something extra special to bring us together on a day that celebrates such an important milestone in our history.

“The song, We’ll Meet Again, might have been penned for those who had to remain apart during wartime but it’s very relevant to our current social distancing learning environment now.

Nick Conway, headteacher of St Aloysius RC Federation School, added: “What a fantastic rendition of a wartime classic that holds significant relevance with what we’re currently all experiencing.

“I am so proud of the resilience, commitment and positivity demonstrated by all of our students during these unprecedented times in their education.

Local musician Mike McGrother worked with the schools to put the song together and create a visual of photos of the students as well as photos of their grandparents who lived during World War II.

You can watch the video by clicking here.

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