Asda’s 2021 Christmas campaign launches with an Asda on Ice spectacular on TV in the UK on Friday November 5, during the 8.15pm ad break for Coronation Street. 

The 60-second commercial is set to a new imagining of the ice dancing classic, Boléro, made world-famous by Torvill & Dean’s 1984 Winter Olympics routine, and follows a family gliding (almost) effortlessly through a series of magical Christmas moments – before reaching the big day itself.

The campaign by Havas London was choreographed by three-time Dancing on Ice winner and its current associate creative director, Daniel Whiston. All the classic Christmas moments are transformed into ice skating choreographies and the action moves from one stage set to the next. Of course, it turns out to be just a little girl’s dream. But a magical Christmas one.

Vicki Maguire, chief creative officer at Havas London, explained, “Given families were forced to put Christmas ‘on ice’ last year, we thought it was only right we did the same this time around – literally! We wanted to go big for our first Christmas spectacular with Asda – and you can’t get much bigger than Boléro, backspins and a giant chocolate bauble for dessert.”

Meghan Farren, chief customer officer at ASDA, stated, “This year our Christmas campaign is about celebrating all the moments that make Christmas special, and showcasing the amazing quality and range of products our customers can enjoy throughout the festive season. We didn’t just miss the opportunity to enjoy Christmas dinner together last year – we missed the school plays and the work nights out. This year we want to help our customers make every moment spectacular. ‘Asda on Ice’ takes everyday moments and turns them into a beautiful performance – and that is just the kind of magic we want to bring our customers this year.”

In addition to the Asda on Ice film, the retailer will also be airing four additional 30-second ads which focus on the products on offer across all Christmas moments, from gifting and decorations, to party food and the big Christmas dinner.

Credits:

Client: Asda
Chief Customer Officer: Meghan Farren
Senior Director, Asda Brand: Stephi Brett-Lee
Senior Manager, Broadcast: Rebecca Holmes
Broadcast & Campaign Manager: Gina Booth
Broadcast Planner: Amy Kennedy
Senior Manager, Production: Julia Miller
Production Manager: Claire Ibbotson
Production Assistant: Kimple Kaur

Creative Agency: Havas London         
Chief Creative Officer: Vicki Maguire
Creative Directors: Dan Cole & Andy Garnett
Copywriter: Matt Skolar
Art director: Eoghain Clarke
Managing Director: Jennifer Black
Head of Account Management: Megan Armitage
Business Director: Olivia Pearson
Account Manager: Oli Bradbury
Account Executive: Goldy Gbedema
Head of Integrated Production: Sarah Barclay
Integrated Producer: Hannah Levy
Social Creative Lead: Hollie Iles
Global Head of Content: Katie Keith
Head of TV Production: Louise Bonnar
Senior TV Producers: Charlotte Worthington & Andrew Shelton 
Production Assistants: Sian O’Halloran, Frances Ellis & Ella Myerscough-McClymont
Global Chief Strategy Officer: Mark Sinnock
Strategy Director: Flo Sharp, Ravi Matharu
 
Media Agency: Spark Foundry

Production Company: Outsider
Director: Scott Lyon 
Producer: Zeno Campbell-Salmon
DoP: Will Bex

Editor: Rich Orrick
Post-production: Electric Theatre Collective
Soundtrack composer: Leland
Audio Post-production: No. 8