A CAMPAIGN has been launched to make the late Terry Wogan’s version of The Floral Dance this year’s Christmas number one.
In 1978, Sir Terry reached number 21 in the UK singles chart with his lyricised take on the song of the ‘The Furry Dance’ – which takes place in Helston, Cornwall every May.
The tune is never written down but instead handed down by musicians to other generations who learn it by heart.
Lyrics were added in 1911 and used by Sir Terry as part of his 1978 release – which he performed live on the BBC's Top of the Pops.
Thousands of people have now joined the ‘Terry Wogan’s Floral Dance for Christmas No. 1’ Facebook campaign which hopes to get the song to the top of the Christmas charts.
The Facebook page writes: "So the Beeb decided not to use The Floral Dance as the official Children In Need single...oh well...so here's the deal.
"The Floral Dance now IS available digitally. Many have already bought the download. So shall we all wait until Xmas week...bring as many here to the party as we can...then all do a mass download-a-thon in the Christmas Chart week? (December 16-22)."
The campaign has gained more than 26,000 followers on Facebook since it launched on Wednesday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3Y4HufJ1oE
On Friday morning, radio personality Chris Evans played the song on his popular Radio 2 show The Chris Evans Breakfast Show.
However, the road to Christmas number one won’t be an easy one for Sir Terry, after veteran singer Cliff Richard announced that he would be releasing his own Christmas single.
Sir Cliff, 76, will be releasing a new song named 'It’s Better To Dream' in time for the festive season.
The track, which features on his 101st studio album 'Just… Fabulous Rock ‘N’ Roll', will be released through iTunes next month and also as a special edition CD Christmas card which includes a message from Sir Cliff himself.
Other rivals for the Christmas top spot include the usual X-Factor winner’s single – which has reportedly been written by Ed Sheeran – along with Spice Girls, James Corden, Kylie Minogue and second generation Irish choirmaster Gareth Malone.
Supporters of the campaign to make legendary Irish DJ Wogan this year's number one should wait until December 16 to purchase their copy of The Floral Dance, otherwise it will not count towards the Christmas chart.
Go on, Sir Terry.
