Irish Bar’s Viral Legacy Continues as This Year’s Ad Premieres on 29 November
After capturing hearts around the globe with their heartwarming 2023 Christmas advert, Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen is back with another poignant festive campaign. The much-loved local pub has announced that their 2024 advert will launch across social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube) on Friday, 29 November 2024, at 7 pm.
Last year’s advert raised £23,000 for Age NI and the South West Age Partnership with all money being spent locally in Northern Ireland. It told the moving story of a lonely man finding solace and connection in the warm embrace of the pub on Christmas Day. It garnered widespread media coverage, with features in all major national newspapers and TV stations in Ireland and the UK, as well as international recognition. The campaign went viral on social media, with over 20 million views on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, being a testament to the vital role pubs play in their communities.
The 2024 advert builds on last year’s legacy with another emotional narrative that highlights the duality of Christmas. For some, the season is joyous; for others, it is tinged with sadness. This year’s advert carries an actionable message, drawn from real stories shared by Charlie’s Bar’s customers, encouraging audiences to embrace kindness and connection.
Commenting, Una Burns, owner of Charlie’s Bar, said: “We were truly overwhelmed by the incredible response to last year’s Christmas advert. This year, we’ve once again drawn inspiration from our community and the stories that make Charlie’s Bar such a special place. We hope people will enjoy watching this year’s advert as much as they did last year and that it brings a little festive warmth and reflection to homes everywhere.”
Des O’Flanagan, Co-founder of PubAid ‘the positive voice for pubs’, said: “In 2023 Charlie’s Bar captured the hearts and minds of the nation, reminding everyone of the vital role that pubs play in our lives. This year’s advert is a timely and powerful reminder of how communities continue to need the support, warmth and connection offered by our pubs. It’s not just about Christmas; it’s about the year-round value of pubs as the beating heart of our communities.”
Community-Driven Creativity
This year’s production involved local cast members, none of whom are professional actors, ensuring the campaign feels as authentic as the community it represents.
The advert was filmed and edited by Meagan Daley, a local creative and owner of Meagan Daley Studio in Enniskillen, who also featured in last year’s advert. Meagan used just an iPhone to bring this year’s heartfelt story to life, showcasing the power of storytelling over a big budget.
The Advert
The 2023 advert not only resonated deeply with audiences but also highlighted the profound importance of pubs as community hubs. It became a rallying cry for recognising the invaluable role that pubs like Charlie’s Bar play – as places of connection, solace and joy. This legacy has set a high bar for the 2024 campaign, which promises to deliver yet another unforgettable message of hope and humanity.
Follow Charlie’s Bar on social media to catch the premiere:
Editors Notes:
For media inquiries, interviews, or access to the advert ahead of its official release, please contact:
Una Burns, owner of Charlie’s Bar:
