A children’s author has launched a competition for pupils across the island of Ireland to celebrate World Earth Day, with winning schools earning the chance to record their own song.
Yvonne Fleming, from Maghera and writer of The Weatherbies series, has teamed up with ECO Schools NI for the Big ECO Song Competition.
It will task children in nursery and primary schools to create an original one-to-two-minute song, which must be based around their school’s eco code and include at least one of characters from The Weatherbies.
There will be four winners, each earning the chance to record their song in a professional recording studio.
World Earth Day takes place on April 22.
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Ms Fleming: “I am so excited to launch our eco-friendly song competition. Children and schools deserve recognition for their role in helping to create a sustainable future for our environment.
“I hope this competition gives them an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and understanding of the world around us, as well as their creative songwriting talents. I can’t wait to hear the songs entered and I wish everyone the best of luck.”
Weatherbies ambassador and BBC NI meteorologist Cecilia Daly and Voice UK winner Andrea Begley will make up half of the judging for the competition, with the rest decided by a public vote.
Judging will be based on the performance, originality and creativity of the songwriting.
The Weatherbies are a cast of weather-themed characters centred around helping kids learn about the weather and the effects of climate change.
Ms Daly added: “This competition is a wonderful, fun way for children to focus on green acts ahead of World Earth Day.”
The competition is open for submissions and closes on April 4. The winners will be announced on World Earth Day.
News Catch Up – Friday 14th March