DFDS Seaways flashes orange for Holland’s national day

PRESS RELEASE

People travelling with Cross-Channel ferry operator DFDS Seaways (formerly Norfolkline) last week were in for a bit of a surprise when 40 local students suddenly burst into spontaneous song, all dressed in orange. The flash mob, organised by DFDS Seaways in conjunction with the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions happened on board the ferry, as part of the celebrations for Holland’s national day, which takes place on 16 April on London’s Trafalgar Square.

Also making a surprise guest appearance on the ferry was none other than Reggie Tsiboe, one of the lead singers of Boney M, who disguised himself as a DFDS Seaways chef, before joining in with the spur-of-the-moment medley.

The students, from St Edmund’s Catholic School in Dover performed the songs alongside Reggie, which included Queen’s ‘We are the Champions’ – sung in dedication to Queen’s Day (marking the Queen Beatrix’ birthday), the Dutch national day that is celebrated annually in Holland on 30 April.

Andrew Kelly, Marketing Manager for the DFDS Seaways English Channel route said, “We’ve kicked off the celebrations for Holland’s national day with a big bang (or flash!) this year! We really wanted to be involved with this event to highlight Holland as a fun and interesting destination to visit, which is only two hours drive from Dunkirk. It was also a great opportunity to involve our local community. The students put on a great performance, and did us proud!”

Melanie McNie, Director of Performing Arts at St Edmund’s Catholic School said, “This was a great opportunity for our students, to be performing in a completely different environment, and the students have enjoyed the whole experience. The reaction from the passengers on board was fantastic, and it was also an added bonus performing with a celebrity.”

Sandra Ishmael, Head of Press & PR for the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, said: “The Flashmob was a fantastic success and a great way to start our Holland House celebrations. DFDS Seaways have been a valued supporter of our Queen’s Day event on Trafalgar Square and we look forward to them joining us again on 16 April.”

Footage from the flash mob event will be shown on big screens in London’s Trafalgar Square on 16 April as part of the Holland Day celebrations. For more information on what else will be happening, please visit <L CODE="http://www.holland.com/uk/holland-house-london/">http://www.holland.com/uk/holland-house-london/</L>