09 November 2023
Newsdesk
Today John Lewis reveals its iconic Christmas TV advert for 2023, starring the most celebrated classical singer in modern history, Andrea Bocelli. The fresh new soundtrack marks a change in the campaign, highlighting the joy of old and new festive traditions.
The ad features the rousing track, ‘Festa’, which means ‘celebration’, written and produced by Italian duo Le Feste Antonacci specifically for the John Lewis advert, with lyrics written especially for and approved by Maestro Bocelli. Available today on Decca, the song not only carries the joy and emotional power of the ad, but adds a twist to traditional music at Christmas.
Charlotte Lock, Customer Director for John Lewis, explains: “We are a nation that loves the traditions of Christmas and John Lewis Christmas ad music has become one of those traditions, but potentially a little predictable. We have a very different character this year so wanted a song with a very different impact. Interestingly the final track is wildly different from AI predictions which this year forecast a cover of a well-known ballad. We wanted a track that would really surprise and move us on from the acoustic versions of classic covers that have been the hallmark of John Lewis ads for so long. We were thrilled when Andrea Bocelli agreed to lead this powerful celebratory song which I'm confident the nation will be humming and singing in no time."
Maestro Bocelli said: “I am delighted to take part in this wonderful and unique tradition of Christmas storytelling. It is very special for me given the great support this will bring to both the John Lewis and Andrea Bocelli foundations. Joy to all of your worlds this Christmas!"
The ad, entitled ‘Snapper, the Perfect Christmas Tree’, focuses on a young boy who lovingly nurtures a plant from seed, in the belief he is cultivating the perfect Christmas tree. Instead, along comes Snapper, an energetic and mischievous Venus flytrap who brings an unexpected twist and joy to Christmas celebrations. With the strapline, ‘Let Your Traditions Grow’, the campaign shows how the unusual and unexpected, over the conventionally ‘perfect’, can lead to a happier time together for everyone.
After a tear-jerking moment, where Snapper grows too big for the living room and is cast out into the cold, he is embraced back into family life giving out presents with such exuberance that the family find a new joy in gathering around their unconventional ‘Christmas tree.’
The advert launches on the retailer’s social media channels today (Thursday 9th November) and will then feature on TV for the first time tomorrow evening (Friday 10th November).
Bocelli also releases a special deluxe version of his album ‘A Family Christmas’, with his son Matteo and daughter Virginia, this Friday.
New single ‘Festa’ is available now on decca records.
Andrea Bocelli’s record company, Decca, will be donating 10p for every track download in the UK from 9th November 2023 until 30th April 2024, split between Action for Children (Registered Charity Number 1097940; Scotland Registered Charity Number: SC038092)(50%), Home-Start UK (Registered Charity number 1108837/Scotland registered charity number SC039172)(30%) and Who Cares? Scotland (Registered Charity No. SC026076)(20%)
