SUNDAY shoppers were startled when the young people in small groups idly chatting in St Sampson’s Square suddenly leapt into action and began dancing to a full backing band.

The flashdance, organised by Amnesty International York, quickly attracted a crowd of onlookers as the 30 or more dancers performed to I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free by Nina Simone.

The dancers from York St John University’s dance department, and members of Amnesty International’s groups at Fulford School and the University of York were accompanied by York musicians Ron Burnett, Tim New, Martha Phillips, Ruth Turner and Greg Wadman.

The event also included a fanfare on the theme to the film The Great Escape arranged by Tim New, a ceremonial bursting of a cell to free the prisoner inside, the release of balloons and a birthday cake.

It was organised to mark the 50th anniversary of Amnesty International. Volunteers also mounted a stall with campaigning items and information.