VK, the popular British brand of alcopops, has given the UK the task of coming up with their newest flavour and we think it’s safe to say you lot fit into one of two camps: absolute tastemakers or total tastebud villains.
Perhaps one of the nation’s most iconic beverages, alcoholic or otherwise — one which immediately drums up those memories of house parties and those first nights out — we’ve got a lot of love for VK and we can’t think of a single flavour we don’t like, to be honest.
That being said, as part of the latest phase in their ‘We Are Flavour’ campaign, the OG alcopop dynasty is looking to spice up their selection and decided that asking us Brits to come up with the best, most unique and frankly questionable combinations possible was the best idea. Hmm…
Unsurprisingly, there were a lot of weird entries (a lot). Here are just a few of them.
Ok, whoever simply said anchovies, you should be declared an enemy of the state. (Credit: VK)
From steak bakes and sausage rolls to pineapple pizza and just garlic, the nation has declared a list of both delicious and some downright delusional flavours they would like to see immortalised in a bottle of VK, with a whopping 4,637 flavours submitted by more than 5,000 fans.
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However, it was all ridiculous; there were plenty of fittingly throwback flavour suggestions too, including candy floss, bubblegum and the good old Cherry Bakewell. You can sign us up for all of these, please.
While all of these would undoubtedly make for a tasty something to sip on this summer, they didn’t quite make the top four. The people have spoken and the final four battling it out to win are as follows:
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Apple and Blackcurrant – it’s giving legend, classic, ‘can’t believe we didn’t think of it’.
Pineapple and Coconut – it’s giving extraverted, summer holiday, pina colada etc.
Peach and Lychee – it’s giving bougie, pink, living your best life and ‘I’ve done a bit of travelling’.
Lemon and Lime – it’s giving zesty, tried and tested, lust for life, authentically yourself.
To be honest, we’d be buzzing with absolutely any of these as the winner of the newest VK flavour competition but whoever emerges victorious is entirely up to you.
These would all slot in very well with the already nostalgic lineup.
Daniella Mulvey, Senior Brand Manager at VK, said: “The response to the voting has been brilliant, with some fantastic flavour suggestions – and other, more questionable ones that aren’t suitable for print! It’s definitely brought some laughs to the VK offices.
“We can’t wait to see which flavour our fans select as the new addition to the VK Flavour Vault. For your chance to decide which drink you have in your hand while dancing at the club or when catching up with your mates at the pub, make sure to get your vote in!”
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Fans can vote for their fave flave right up until Friday, 15 March and the winner will join the likes of OG Blue, Orange and Passionfruit, as well as Tropical Fruits on shelves in the VK lineup.
To make things even more exciting, one lucky entrant will be selected to win a weekend city break for them and three mates along with tickets to the exclusive flavour reveal party. As if you needed any more reason to take part.
Pick your winner HERE. Terms and conditions apply — see more info on the VK website.
Smirnoff teams up with Co-op Live for new Summer Series
Danny Jones
Smirnoff, the world’s number-one vodka brand not to mention a leading force in wider music culture, has officially partnered with Co-op Live to mark the opening of the new state-of-the-art venue and its debut calendar.
The partnership will see the new ‘Co-op Live Summer Series presented by Smirnoff‘ run until 13 September 2024. As part of the collaboration, the vodka brand will surprise and delight guests visiting the venue with great-tasting drinks and the ultimate night out, with VIP packages and more.
Co-op Live has curated a stacked lineup of popular bands, singers and entertainers, including some of the biggest names in music, who are set to perform at Europe’s largest indoor entertainment venue.
Starting the Summer Series off with a bang presented by Smirnoff celebrations, the brand is offering friends a chance to win tickets to see their favourite stars perform live, hosted by celebrities including TV favourite Callum Jones, as well as social media and makeup virtuoso Mitchell Halliday.
Alongside their hosts, winners will enjoy access to the exclusive Decibel Club and enjoy the concert from a private suite hosted by Smirnoff, fully immersing themselves in the ultimate venue experience. Competition details (18+ only) can be found on Smirnoff’s Instagram page.
Attendees at the 23,500 capacity Co-op Live arena will have the opportunity to choose from a range of Smirnoff favourites, including Smirnoff Raspberry Crush, Smirnoff Mango and Passionfruit Twist, Smirnoff No.21 and more.
These drinks will be available to guests over 18 at bars and grab-and-go stations throughout the venue, including the Smirnoff Founders Bar. Guests can also try the newest addition to the range, Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind, at the bar located on the concourse – fingers crossed there’ll be plenty of sun too.
There is a unique must-try experience for all gig attendees: a 360-photo booth on Level 3, where guests can use fun props to snap the best and most high-end selfies they’ve ever taken, and have a chance to get their tickets upgraded that evening.
Operated by holding group Diaego, the aim of Smirnoff’s Co-op Live Summer Series is to reflect the vodka brand’s ongoing commitment to making music more accessible to everyone.
Smirnoff recently rolled out its ‘WE DO US’ campaign, activated through a series of initiatives that aim to reignite social connections and lower barriers to socialising.
Tyler Monk, Smirnoff Brand Manager at Diageo Great Britain, said: “Smirnoff is on a mission to make music more accessible and create unforgettable experiences that bring people together through live music. We’re proud to partner with Co-op Live and be part of Manchester’s vibrant music scene, offering great-tasting Smirnoff drinks, music, and unique experiences to a wider audience.”
Check the website for the full schedule of events at Co-op Live HERE.
Featured Images — Smirnoff (supplied)/The Manc Group
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Printworks adds running track, Sir Mo Farah waxwork and more for Summer of Sport
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary entertainment complex, Printworks, has unveiled a packed programme of events to celebrate a Summer of Sport.
The popular city centre destination, which recently completed a staggering transformation including installing the biggest digital ceiling in Europe, has created a series of events celebrating the return of the Olympics.
Sir Mo Farah’s lifelike wax figure will be on display from Madame Tussauds in Blackpool, inviting visitors to do the Mobot and snap a selfie with the sporting great.
You’ll also be able to watch the Olympics opening ceremony live at Printworks, underneath that incredible ceiling and from the terraces of Tank & Paddle and Chiquito.
You can even play multi-player games on the big screen inside, hosted by a BBC Radio Manchester presenter.
It all kicks off this week with the Opening Ceremony Party on Friday, with free candy floss and Team GB face painting for the first 250 visitors.
Any children with Team GB face paint on will be able to get a free hot fudge sundae from Hard Rock Cafe with the purchase of a kids’ meal.
Other free events will include weekly gaming sessions, a basketball tournament, a kids’ archery class, and appearances from famous faces.
Printworks will even have a running track lined up all summer.
The digital ceiling will join in on the sporting action, dazzling visitors with animations of synchronised swimmers, athletes, cyclists and divers.
Throughout August, BBC Radio Manchester’s Remmel Dawodu will return to host free weekly interactive gaming sessions on the 1, 8 and 15 August.
You’ll also be able to witness an artist live at work, as they create a mural of an iconic sports person on 1 August.
Slam Dunk-a-Basketball will take place on the 8 August, with archery on 15 August.
The Printworks Opening Ceremony Party will take place between 3.30pm and 6pm on Friday 26 July.
Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “We are thrilled to offer a vibrant and engaging summer of sports for families at Printworks. Our diverse line-up of free events is designed to bring people together, celebrate athleticism and create unforgettable memories over the summer holidays.”
For more information on a Summer of Sport at Printworks, head here.