Christmas advertisement heavyweights John Lewis have been blown out of the water this year, by a County Fermanagh pub, for its viral, tear-jerking Christmas ad packed with meaning.
That’s according to viewers of the advert produced by Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen, which has shot to the heights of social media stardom since it was first posted by the family-run pub three days ago.
The advert was posted to social media on Friday, along with the W.B Yeats quote, “There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t met yet.”
“Christmas can be such a joyful time for some and painfully hard for others. One things for sure – you’ll always receive a warm welcome when you walk through our doors,” the pub wrote, as it encouraged anyone in the area over Christmas to pop by.
“We will be open on Christmas Day, so if you are alone this festive season, drop in for a chat,” Charlie’s Bar added.
The advert, unveiled on Friday, shows an elderly man leaving his home, and bringing a bunch of flowers to the graveyard, where he pauses and remembers somebody he loves. He then makes his way along the high street – where he turns to smile at passers-by, but is ignored by several people.
The old man then enters Charlie’s Bar, where he sits on his own with a pint, before a couple with their dog come in. The curious dog joins him, and his owners take a seat beside the old man, who is delighted to have the company.
Enniskillen pub Charlie's has released a Christmas advert that puts John Lewis in the hapenny place. pic.twitter.com/OJnatEUr5c
— Neil Prendeville (@NeilRedFM) November 25, 2023
‘AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE’
The ad ends with the quote, “There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t met yet,” and is accompanied throughout by the Birdy track, ‘People Help the People.’
Since being released, it has racked up millions of views, with people across Ireland and further afield hailing the pub for highlighting the importance of social interaction in the fight to combat loneliness, especially over the festive season.
“Might have something in my eye,” one social media user responded, while hundreds of people have described the ad as “beautiful.”
“Lost my lovely dad last month, this has ruined me. Beautiful,” one commenter said. Many others said it was an important message that “we could all do with remembering.”
People from across the country said they would be willing to travel to the pub after seeing the “stunning” advert – adding that it spotlighted the importance of local pubs, and supporting them, when it comes to people who are alone around Christmas time.
“Bawled my eyes out at this,” one lady wrote on X. “Also it’s totally addictive. Have watched several times and cried each time!”
The advert even drew praise from John Lewis, with the department store’s official TikTok account responding, “We’re not crying, you are. Merry Christmas.”
The budget friendly ad cost only £700 to make, according to Una Burns, manager of Charlie’s Bar, who was interviewed by Sky News. Ms Burns told Sky that she got inspiration for the advert from seeing people on their own in the pub over the years.
“And I suppose I just wanted to get across that message that it’s not always a joyful, happy time for everybody – that some people find it really tough, and just to be kind – and that a smile or a simple hello can go a long way,” she said.
The poignant advert has already drawn new customers to the pub, she said, adding that she was considering making an annual advert following the “overwhelming” response.
Star of the ad is Martin McManus, who said a friend nominated him for the role. He said he got the part after the pub saw his photo.
He said the advert had “snowballed,” adding, “I enjoy drama, I’ve been at it for years and years; it’s great to get success like this.” Mr McManus also said the ad helped relay an important message, a reminder that some people spend Christmas on their own.
“There’s also a sad side to it – particularly as you get older because you’re thinking about all your family that’s dead and gone,” he told Sky News.
“There’s so many things that go through your mind,” he added.
Aoife Teague, who filmed and edited the ad, meanwhile, told the news outlet that her phone “hasn’t stopped” since Friday.
“It’s a a dream, it’s absolutely unbelievable,” the content creator said. “For people to think it’s similar – to say they like it as much as one of their ads.”
“It’s important to highlight that not everyone has that magical feeling at Christmas time,” she told Sky.
Meanwhile, US car manufacturer Chevrolet’s 2023 Christmas advert ‘ A Holiday to Remember’ also tugs at the heartstrings, telling the story of a woman gifting her grandmother with memories from years gone by, as the pair take an emotional drive down memory lane.
‘WE’RE ALL CRYING’
In the advert, the grandmother, who has Alzheimer’s, lights up when, to her family’s surprise and delight, she remembers when she and her husband met in high school, and where she they had their first kiss, as she sings along with the words to John Denver’s ‘Sunshine on My Shoulders’ in the ad, featuring a 1972 Suburban.
The ad is a reminder that the Christmas season can spark moments of nostalgia and joy, even if they might be fleeting.
“The best part of the holidays is the memories, the ones we make and the ones we reminisce,” the General Motors brand writes.
Viewers have heaped praise on the emotional ad, describing it as “a beautifully made tear-jerker” which stood out because of its “quality” and “integrity.”
“I haven’t sobbed like that since my mom passed away 3.5 years ago. She loved John Denver. This may be advertisement/marketing, but superbly done. So many families are living in this reality, and cherish the days where their loved ones are “there”, one viewer wrote underneath the ad on YouTube.
“Ok when a commercial makes you sob, I think you got it right. So well done. I feel this is the best commercial GM has ever had!” another viewer said.
“Wow, just wow!! This should be viewed by everyone. If nothing more than to rattle a few hearts to remind us about the importance of time, love and life and the fact without our memories we are nothing. Bravo Chevy, and Happy Holidays people,” read a separate comment.
Many who have lost a loved one to dementia praised the advert, with one person adding: “My dad passed away 2 years ago from dementia, this commercial tears at the heart.”
“We’re all crying,” said another.