A festive flash mob was a real show-stopper for shoppers on the streets of Birmingham, all in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
The surprise stunt saw hordes of street dancing Santas, dressed head to toe in red lycra morph suits, dancing to hip hop Christmas songs. Hollywood Monster, a digital print solutions company, sponsored the video, which is fronted by television and radio presenter Richard Bacon. The video will be released on YouTube with all proceeds from the sponsorship going to the hospital.
Tim Andrews, managing director of Hollywood Monster, said: “We are proud to sponsor the flash mob in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The hospital is a lifeline for families and their sick children all year round, but its work is especially poignant at Christmas time.”
The dancing santas were from EQHO, an award-winning street dance group from Warwick University.
Dorine Mwesiga, who choreographed the dance, said: “The idea of street dancing in order to raise money for charity really appealed to us. The reaction from passers-by was phenomenal – some even started joining in!”
Catherine Allen from Ember Television, the company producing the film, said: “We wanted the film to foster a sense of creativity, festive vibrance and community spirit. It shows that despite the riots over the summer and all the economic doom and gloom, Birmingham is a warm, charitable city that is determined to enjoy Christmas.
“Raising money for a charity through sponsorship of a viral video has so far proved a huge success. With all profits going to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, this video epitomises what Christmas should mean: festivity, union and generosity.”
The video – Street Dance Santa Flashmob Interrupts News Report – will be available to view on You Tube from Monday 12th December.
Hollywood Monster, based in Birmingham, employs around 65 people and works with major companies including Next, Virgin Media, LilyWhites, Debenhams, Ann Summers, Coach, Whistles, HMV, Westfield, Carillion, Morgan Sindall, Lovell Homes, Redrow and Bovis Homes. Sectors it is active in include commercial and residential property, construction, retail, corporate, exhibition, outdoor media, event, stadium, museum and theatrical.