Twenty-five years after its first release, and on the very date it hit the Christmas number one spot, original label London Records, in conjunction with Waltham Forest: London Borough of Culture 2019, have released a brand new recording of the classic East 17 Christmas number one Stay Another Day.

The new version features the 100-strong Waltham Forest Youth Choir accompanied by East London Brass, with East 17 founding member and writer of the original song Tony Mortimer on keys.

This reworked version of the Christmas classic was released on Tuesday, December 3, and 25% of the proceeds generated from all sales of the single will be donated to Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), the charity leading a movement against suicide.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Tony Mortimer said: “Everyone remembers Stay Another Day as a Christmas record, but underneath the white parkas and fake snow is a song about male mental health and a story about my brother who took his own life. CALM is a charity very close to my heart and I hope this release gives people who are struggling the confidence to speak up and seek help.’’

Local participant, 12-year old Kevin Coman agrees: “This project has raised my confidence a lot and has inspired me to do more work with music. Taking part in the Waltham Forest Youth Choir and music video has taught me that there are a lot of good people out there, and that I should use them as role models to work harder and not only be a better musician but be a better person in general.”

Sam Hunt, Creative Director, Waltham Forest: London Borough of Culture 2019, said: “This is the perfect way to end our year as the first ever Mayor’s London Borough of Culture.”