Andrew Timms

Olly Alexander performed an emotional rendition of the hit Years & Years song Shine alongside an inclusive new choir.

It marked his first live performance of the updated version, which was delivered with the support of The Absolut Choir.

Made up of trans rights advocate Kenny Ethan Jones, disability champion Sian Lord, body positivity advocate Nyome Nicholas-Williams, Trans Voices Choir directors Coda Nicolaeff, ILĀ Sebastian and its members and creatives from the Trans Creative Collective (TCC), the group is aiming to amplify the voices of those trying to create change across the UK.

Trans Voices Choir opened the show, which took place at Night Tales in London on 22 November, with two original tracks and a stunning vocal arrangement of Eyes Shut by Years & Years.

It was followed by a panel discussion about LGBTQ+ rights, self-love, disability awareness and body positivity with input from the aforementioned Olly, Kenny, Nyome, ILĀ, Coda, as well as Max Churchill.

Andrew Timms

“When ABSOLUT came to me with this project I instantly had so many ideas, from working with the TCC and Trans Voices to re-recording Shine, I wanted The ABSOLUT Choir to be entirely inclusive,” Olly previously said of the project.

“I have worked in this industry for a while and can genuinely say this has been one of the most diverse productions I have ever been involved in, from the crew to the people both in front of and behind the camera, it’s good to feel like things are changing.

“I’m so lucky to have a platform for my voice and I want to use it to put the spotlight on people and things that need to be heard.

“We are literally here to amplify people’s voices and I can’t wait to see what else is to come from these incredible people.”

As part of the campaign, ABSOLUT will fund content, media partnerships and London billboards to platform the individuals in the choir.

Olly has also designed a limited edition bottle wrap for the brand’s iconic bottle which are currently available to purchase here.