There was a real air of excitement at a special Sunday for Sammy event on Thursday in the build-up to the eagerly-awaited news of its return.
The Newcastle fund-raiser, which last took place at the Utilita Arena just before lockdown in 2020, was initially set up in memory of late Gateshead actor Sammy Johnson – who appeared in Spender and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet – and over the years it has seen a huge number of local celebrities take to the stage to perform sketches, songs and comedy acts to help raise funds to support up-and-coming young talents. Some of them, including event co-founder Tim Healy and singer-songwriter Hayley McKay, who was among those helped over the years, were there at Thursday’s event – the date marking the show’s 25-year anniversary – where the big announcement was made.
As previously reported, an invited audience at the city‘s County Hotel was the first to hear that Sunday for Sammy will take place again – for the first time in five years – on Sunday, February 15 at the Utilita Arena where tickets will go on sale on the same date this year. Earlier, organisers had teased big news to mark its anniversary day and this was finally confirmed during the celebratory breakfast gathering.
It began with footage showing Healy showcase Geordie achievements from throughout history before the actor joined comedian and event host Kelly Rickard on stage who set the fun tone for the morning ahead of a look-back at show highlights then some pop-up performances by talents who it had helped along the way. Healy also told how – following the show’s post-Covid cancellation which had been due to knock-on financial pressures caused by the pandemic – it was the success of last year’s Auf Wiedersehen, Pet 40-year anniversary event that helped make its return possible.
Money raised from that sell-out – which won rave reviews – went into securing this other Geordie favourite and he is delighted to be able to announce its return. And – as well as young people being its beneficiaries, which is the most important aspect he pointed out – he wants some “new blood” involved too, while his son Matty – who made his first appearance on the Sammy line-up as a 16-year-old – is now one of its two newly-announced patrons; the other being former Vera star Brenda Blethyn.
In a video message to Thursday’s audience, Matty – frontman of rock band The 1975 – said he is “very proud” about the role, saying of Sunday for Sammy: “It’s been in my family and in my heart for as long as I can remember.” He added: “I’m specifically very interested in helping young people in this economy, from working-class, different backgrounds, being facilitated in the creation of art.”
Familiar faces in the audience included show producer and Lindisfarne drummer Ray Laidlaw, who produces Sunday for Sammy, and Jill Halfpenny who also has regularly appeared on the Sunday for Sammy line-up.
The actor, who was recently in her home region filming for new TV drama The Feud, said: “It’s fantastic to know that it’s back – it’s up and running again and we can give back and help young people to know there is an opportunity for them.” She says in the current climate they need all the help they can get and added: “I think it’s really important for people to know that if they are interested in any of the the arts that it does have value; that their interest and their talent has value.”
The clear message is that Sunday for Sammy – which first held all those years ago at Newcastle City Hall – is back in style and organisers are going to be shouting about it across all social channels. Tim added: “One day I hope to pass it on to young people.
“It’s something that should go on forever – why not!” Read here what Brenda Blethyn has to say about her new patron role, catch up here on the full news of Thursday’s announcement and check out our pictures below.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/gallery/sunday-for-sammy-jill-halfpenny-30950137
