Flash mob launch Newcastle poppy appeal

Crowds lined the streets around Grey’s Monument in Newcastle city centre as the dancers stepped forward, surprising fellow bystanders as they began their performance, accompanied by music from the Military Wives Choir. The 36 dancers' finale was the formation of a Poppy, as a cascade of scarlet petals fell from the monument above.

The flash mob then dispersed back into the crowds once again, amid cheers and applause from onlookers.

The legion’s community fundraiser for the North-East, Rachel Jobson said: “It was an incredible and absolutely unique event which was emotional yet very uplifting.

“We felt a flash mob was a new and exciting way to launch the Poppy Appeal and would appeal to people of all ages and judging by people’s reactions and the rapturous round of applause afterwards, it did just that.

“This year’s Poppy Appeal is all about the Armed Forces and their families - they’re pinning their hopes on you.”

The flash mob was performed by students from Newcastle College’s Performance Academy and choreographed by course leader Charlotte Haley.

She said: “Our students were delighted to be given the opportunity to promote the Poppy Appeal in this way and to remind younger generations of the sacrifices that have been made on their behalf by so many servicemen.”