Barbour has unveiled its 2024 Christmas ad, revisiting Shaun the Sheep as per last year’s commercial which saw the popular character and his flock patch up the farmer’s waxed jacket.
This time, there’s a focus on Barbour accessories, especially scarves and woolly hats, with a message of giving the gift of warmth this winter.
Described as “funny and heart-warming in equal measure”, the short film – once again created by the team at Aardman using their trademark stop-motion animation and set on Mossy Bottom Farm – sees Bitzer, the farmer’s devoted sheep dog, attempting to conduct a very cold choir, consisting of Shaun and his flock, through Christmas carols.
As their ‘baas’ begin to freeze, Bitzer has an idea and jumps on his motorbike, returning with gifts from Barbour. All wrapped up in their new hats and scarves, the flock merrily sing their way to the end of their carol.
Rounding off with a final blow on a giant sousaphone, a pile of snow tumbles off the farmhouse’s roof and buries the farmer in his Barbour jacket, along with his cup of tea.
With a tasteful nod to last year’s campaign which demonstrated the importance of extending the life of garments, this year Barbour is producing 30 Re-loved jackets, as a follow on from its Re-loved partnership with Glastonbury and Oxfam earlier in the year.
Each of the Re-loved jackets will be totally unique and incorporate Shaun the Sheep inspiration, including faux shearling lined inner, cuffs and collar. A ‘Baabour’ Shaun pin badge will also be incorporated, alongside a Shaun the Sheep key ring and embroidery to the front pocket.
The collectable limited-edition jackets will be ‘hidden’ in various Oxfam shops across the country for “lucky treasure hunters” to find and buy. All of the money raised from the jackets sold will go to help Oxfam’s work.
Paul Wilkinson, Group Commercial Director at Barbour, said: “After the success of last year’s campaign, we are excited to be collaborating with Aardman for another year. A British brand that shares our core values of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and quality.
“The Barbour and Aardman customer is multi-generational, which was a big part of the inspiration behind this campaign. This year we are pleased to support Oxfam, giving 30 people the opportunity to purchase a unique, limited-edition Barbour x Shaun the Sheep Re-loved wax jacket with all proceeds going to the charity.”
Rachael Peacock, Senior Brand Manager at Aardman, added: “We’re delighted to launch the next festive Shaun the Sheep adventure for Barbour. These iconic British brands share strong values of quality, craft and a shared love of the outdoors. Shaun and the flock have never looked better than in Barbour.”
