A talented group of Gateshead College students played a major role in bringing the iconic Sunday for Sammy show to life as the charity celebrated its 25th anniversary.
After 18 months of preparation behind the scenes, the show finally took to the stage and our students were right at the heart of it.
Led by our CoLab team, the project brought together learners from across the college. Catering students kept the cast and crew fuelled throughout the weekend, photography students captured the event from every angle, and our Level 4 Content to Creation students supported the production team and even designed official merchandise for the show. It was fantastic to see so many students contributing their skills and creativity.
Our dance students also took to the stage, performing alongside North East singers Ernie and Imogen, while Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance student Savannah Lily not only performed but was also awarded a prestigious Sunday for Sammy grant.
Eighteen-year-old singer-songwriter Savannah described stepping onto the Utilita Arena Newcastle stage as “an absolute honour” after performing twice in one night at the anniversary celebration.
Savannah joined the charity for its landmark 25th anniversary show, its first in six years following the pandemic pause. Sharing the bill with global stars including Sting, Lewis Capaldi and Matty Healy, she wowed a crowd of more than 5,500 people.
“My tutor gave me the application, and I filled in the form,” she said. “I got offered an audition and turned up to a panel that was literally royalty in the industry.”
Her successful audition secured her a Sunday for Sammy grant, and she continued to build connections with producer Ray Laidlaw, who offered her further performance opportunities around Newcastle.
For the arena performance, Savannah delivered a breathtaking version of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt—a song she has performed for years and the piece she also used in her audition. Despite the scale of the venue, she quickly found her confidence.
“It was obviously nerve-wracking, but everyone backstage made me feel so comfortable. Before the curtains opened, about five people were telling me, ‘You’ve got this.’”
Backstage, she also had the chance to meet some of the night’s biggest stars, including Matty Healy, who had previously visited the college on the one day she happened to be off sick.
Sunday for Sammy producer Ray Laidlaw praised her talent and potential, saying “As a Sunday for Sammy grantee, Savannah Lily represents the next generation of North East talent to emerge. With support from her tutors and peers at Gateshead College, the future looks bright for her.”
Share This Article
Read Article