Promise Kadree, a vocalist with Flames Collective, reports on an unforgettable trip to Alton Towers with music, fun and new beginnings…
On the 10th of June, an early morning start set the stage for what would become an unforgettable trip. Meeting at UD’s Talent House at 7:30 am, I was greeted with a cheerful rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ from my friends and colleagues – a wonderful start to the day.
We then boarded the bus for our road trip to Alton Towers. The journey was filled with laughter, chatter, and impromptu karaoke sessions that made the hours fly by. When we arrived at noon, we were all in high spirits, ready for the adventure ahead.
Our first stop was the conference room, which was still being set up with signs, chairs and Chopstix goodie bags. After a quick lunch and a swift change into our black attire, we did some vocal warm-ups and rehearsed our set, which included ‘Worth It’ by RAYE and our new song, ‘Flavour’, created in partnership with Chopstix.
As we entered the room, the music video we’d recorded for ‘Flavour’ played, and we took our positions on stage, ready to surprise the 300 attendees with a live performance. The reaction was beyond anything we could have imagined. The audience attending the conference and the Chopstix team showered us with praise and admiration.
This incredible partnership with Chopstix began earlier this year and our first assignment was to create a Chopstix song in our own unique ‘Flames Collective’ style. Over two weeks, we crafted something that the brand loved. Our first performance for Chopstix at the Stratford Centre was a success, leading to another gig at the opening of their new store in the O2, with each performance better than the last, culminating in this amazing opportunity to perform at their conference in Alton Towers.
After our performance, we retreated to our hotel rooms to freshen up before heading out for a delightful dinner. The evening was filled with chatter, laughter, and yet another round of ‘Happy Birthday’ for me. We spent hours outside, talking about everything and anything, further strengthening our bond. Although we were already like a family, this trip brought us even closer.
The next day started with an early breakfast, followed by checking out of our hotel rooms and heading to the Alton Towers park. While some of us enjoyed the scenic views and shopped for souvenirs, others sought the thrill of the park’s most exciting rides, including The Smiler, Oblivion, and Rita. We spent about five hours exploring and experiencing the attractions before it was time to say goodbye.
On the way back to London, we made a quick pit stop for food, fuelling up for the final leg of our journey. Our bus ride home was another round of karaoke, filled with R&B, pop, and old-school covers. The energy gradually waned as we settled into a peaceful sleep, reflecting on the amazing two days we had spent together.
This trip was not just about performing; it was about bonding over our shared love for music and creating lasting memories. Our partnership with Chopstix has been a fantastic journey and we are excited about the future. We look forward to continuing this relationship, creating more music, and sharing our passion with even larger audiences.
Overall, this was a remarkable trip. We grew closer as a team, celebrated new beginnings, and did what we love most – performing. Here’s to many more successful
partnerships and unforgettable adventures with the Chopstix team.
Words: Promise Kadree
