By Leicester Mercury | Posted November 07, 2012
De Montfort University staff are calling on the public to help them break a world record and raise thousands of pounds for charities.
They hope to create the world's biggest lip-synching flashmob, with participants miming to Bonnie Tyler's 1980s rock classic Holding Out For A Hero.
A film crew will be capturing the event, which takes place in Castle Gardens, Leicester, today.
Four Leicester Tigers players and Leicester City ambassador Alan Birchenall are expected to make an appearance, alongside 20 police officers who have been commended for their heroic deeds.
The university urged residents, businesses, students and passers-by to get involved.
Sarah Thomson, the university's deputy director of strategic partnerships and one of the event organisers, said: "We're really excited about it and can't wait for the big day.
"It's going to be loads of fun and we hope it will help bring the city together to raise money for two great causes – Leicestershire hospice LOROS and cancer charity Prostaid.
"Lots of people are dressing up and we have some individuals coming as superheroes, so watch out for Superman and Spider-Man."
Hundreds of people have already started to learn the dance moves – including the Mo Farah Mobot and Bruce Forsyth's signature knee bend and fist clench stance.
Lycra leggings and wigs will be available to get participants into the 80s spirit.
For those who do not know the moves, a dress rehearsal will take place at noon.
The idea was the brainchild of De Montfort's vice chancellor, Professor Dominic Shellard, who imitated Bond villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld – complete with revolving chair and cat – in a spoof video to promote the event.
LOROS chief executive Simon Proffitt (pictured above) has readied his wig.
"We're extremely grateful to Dominic for taking on this challenge and putting so much imagination, energy and ambition into raising funds," he said.
"This idea has shown what a creative force De Montfort University can be and we hope as many people as possible get behind it and join us on the day."
Participants, who are asked to donate £1 to take part, should gather in Castle Gardens at noon. There will be collection buckets for donations.
To see the dance moves, visit: www.dmu.ac.uk/DMUheroes
