A chance encounter with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin at an impromptu pub gig led to a group of disadvantaged young people being invited to see the band in Hull. The students were given the opportunity to attend the second of Coldplay’s concerts at Sewell Group Craven Park, on Tuesday, August 19.
Three staff members and volunteers of Ask The Question (ATQ), a community interest company (CIC) based in Hebden Bridge, were at the Puzzle Hall Inn, Sowerby Bridge, on the evening of A Level results day when Chris Martin surprised customers with a solo spot in the beer garden. Arron Sachdeva, Lorien Fitzgerald and Jago Hodges got chatting to the music star all about the work that ATQ does to improve the educational outcomes for vulnerable children and young people who have been affected by adverse childhood experiences and those whose education and confidence has suffered as a result of abuse, neglect or trauma.
Chris was so admiring of the work the CIC does that, on the spot, he donated tickets and put them in touch with his team. ATQ has now thanked Chris and the whole of the Coldplay team for giving 16 staff, volunteers and students the “night of their lives” with VIP tickets to the event.
Not only did Coldplay donate the seats and backstage passes, including tickets for the disability viewing platform for some of the CIC’s students, they also arranged transport to and from the gig at no charge, provided merchandise and a goodie bag as well. Arron, Lorien and Jago said: “Chris was honestly one of the kindest and nicest people you could meet.
“He really took the time to listen to the vital work that Ask The Question CIC do in Calderdale for students from disadvantaged and adverse backgrounds, and he was so impressed with the work that we do and results our students achieve, that he and the team really went above and beyond to provide us with a true, once in a lifetime experience. The concert was absolutely incredible and we will forever be appreciative.”
One of the students of the CIC said it was “the best night of my life” and a “once in a lifetime experience” and passed their thanks on to Chris Martin and Coldplay. The students and staff members made a handmade Thank You card for Chris and the team.
ATQ works with young people aged six to 18 who face challenges such as trauma, neglect, and social isolation. Through its trauma-informed approach, the organisation provides not only academic assistance but also emotional support through on-site educational psychologists.
This holistic model is designed to reduce the risk of school disengagement, mental health struggles, and criminal exploitation, which are critical issues that many young people in the region face. Jo Austin, founder of ATQ, said: “Thank you so much to Chris and Coldplay for providing our extremely hard-working and conscientious volunteers, staff members and students with an unforgettable evening.
“The Coldplay team truly have gone over and above to ensure our students had a wonderful time at the concert. Things like this really make our students feel seen and valued and the impact it can have shouldn’t be underestimated.
“If Chris and Coldplay ever want to come and visit our offices in Hebden Bridge, they would of course be more than welcome.”
READ MORE: Coldplay in Hull review – ‘A mega show of the sort never before seen in the city’