Singer-songwriter and pop star Pixie Lott helped Cancer Research UK launch the 2024 Race for Life event season with a surprise “Life Lounge” performance in Battersea Power Station today – less than a mile from the location of the first ever Race for Life in 1994.

The “Life Lounge” pop-up gig saw the pop star perform a selection of songs in support of Race for Life and to launch the #PlaysForLifecampaign, which invites those taking part – and those who are yet to sign-up – to add their song choice to the ultimate Race for Life playlist. Pixie Lott herself shared that she has added Everybody’s Talkin’ by Harry Nilsson to playlist, which she revealed has a special connection for her family, while she performed her hits Boys and Girls and All About Tonight as well as new singles Midnight Trash and Coco Chanel.

Research commissioned for Race for Life has found the majority of GB adults who listen to music find it motivates them when they exercise (92%), and that music makes them feel that they have a boost of energy when doing so (91%). So, the playlist aims to inspire people to sign-up for a local event and provide some extra motivation for those who may be training for a Race for Life near them this year, with the message that every step taken helps to fund life-saving cancer research.

As more than four in five GB adults that listen to music have memories associated with it (84%), Cancer Research UK is also asking people to share the reasons why they’re submitting a particular song to the playlist. It could be because it reminds them of a loved-one, a special moment or because it provides them with the energy to get out and exercise, helping to highlight the power of music to move us.

Pop star Pixie Lott commented: “So many of the important moments in my life have a particular song linked to them, evoking a memory which takes me straight back. Music is such a powerful tool and I’m excited about adding my track to the Plays for Life playlist and hearing what other songs are being added. Every time I hear Everybody’s Talkin’ I think of my Nan. I love that it is an emotional song, but that it has a positive feel, that’s why I thought it would be a great addition to the playlist. Race for Life is such an important event, helping to fund vital life-saving cancer research, so I’m delighted to play a small role in getting the message out there.”

Showing that music and exercise truly go hand-in-hand, the research by Race for Life, in partnership with Standard Life, found that, of people who exercise, a staggering 81% listen to playlists, and over half of those (55%) create their own. Some of the primary reasons for curating their own playlists include finding them more motivating (67%), providing a bigger boost of energy (51%), offering a better distraction (42%), and to make them think of nice memories (24%).

Celebs, scientists, survivors and supporters have already kicked off the playlist with tracks added by Demi Jones, Charlotte Crosby and Tessa Hartmann. And with the research revealing that Pop is the top genre to exercise to (61%), followed by Rock, Dance and R&B (45%, 37% and 24% respectively)- only time will tell if that is reflected in the Plays for Life playlist. Whatever is added, the songs submitted to the playlist will showcase musical preferences and meaningful stories from across the nation.