To coincide with Children’s Mental Health Week 2021, pop icon Billy Ocean has teamed up with the Young Voices Choir to release a new and uplifting recording of the Bill Withers’ classic ‘Lovely Day’.

The single is available to download now via iTunes or Amazon. All the UK profits from the song will go to Place2Be’s work supporting children and young people’s mental health during these challenging times.

Also featured on the track are award-winning broadcaster and musician YolanDa Brown (saxophone) and The Voice UK 2018 winner (and former Young Voices singer) Ruti Olajugbagbe. The track is being released today by Magic Star (the home of children’s and family entertainment at Sony Music UK).

Catherine Roche, Chief Executive of Place2Be, said: "The past year has been incredibly challenging and with so many adjusting to homeschooling again, many children and families will be feeling the extra pressure.

"At this time, support for children’s mental health is more important than ever. We’re so grateful that Sony and Young Voices are supporting Place2Be this Children’s Mental Health Week.

"The charity single will not only raise vital funds to support our work with schools around the country but will hopefully be an uplifting and positive anthem for the nation at a time when we all really need it."

Last year, Place2Be was selected as the official charity of Young Voices, the UK’s largest school choir. This summer Young Voices will attempt to break their own Guinness World Record for ‘Largest Simultaneous Sing-Along’, currently standing at 293,978 - a record set when the ‘Big Sing 2005’ was broadcast live from the Royal Albert Hall.

The event will be streamed live from The O2 arena. Billy Ocean, Yolanda Brown and Ruti and Young Voices will join children, their teachers and families throughout the UK to sing ‘Lovely Day’. If you'd like to be involved, register here.

Download the charity single

Learn more about the Biggest Sing

Learn more about Children’s Mental Health Week