Today, dozens of dedicated Kate Bush fans are celebrating her seminal 1978 hit, 'Wuthering Heights', by recreating the song's famous music video dance. Dubbed 'the most Wuthering Heights day ever', participants are gathering at Clevedon's Marine Lake and Bristol's College Green to perform the distinctive choreography, all while raising money for the charity SARSAS (Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support).
The event, which is being held just days before Kate Bush's 68th birthday on 30 July, sees participants don flowing red dresses, mirroring the ethereal look from the original video. Organiser Bridget Pairaudeau from Bristol highlighted the enjoyment of learning the intricate dance, noting its challenging nature and welcoming all genders to take part. The Clevedon location is particularly unique, believed to be the only such event where dancers perform simultaneously on land and in the water.
These mass recreations of the 'Wuthering Heights' dance have become a global phenomenon since their inception in 2013. The original video, filmed on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, featured Bush in a red dress performing a dramatic, interpretative dance that has captivated audiences for decades. The enduring appeal of both the song and its visual accompaniment has led to these celebratory gatherings spreading across the UK and internationally.
Last year, the Bristol and Clevedon event successfully raised over £1,000 for SARSAS, an organisation that provides crucial support to survivors of sexual violence across Avon and Somerset. Jenny Benson from SARSAS expressed her gratitude, stating that every pound raised helps them continue their specialist, trauma-informed services. The creative fundraising effort is seen as a significant contribution to their work.
The 'Wuthering Heights' phenomenon underscores Kate Bush's lasting impact on British culture. The song itself, inspired by Emily Brontë's novel, made Bush the first female artist to achieve a UK number one with a self-penned song. Her unique artistic vision has earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Brit Awards and a CBE for her services to music. Her music continues to be discovered by new generations, particularly after its resurgence in popularity on streaming platforms, with tracks like 'Running Up That Hill' finding renewed global success. 'Wuthering Heights' is widely available to stream on major music services in the UK.