John Lewis today launched its 2015 Christmas advertising campaign - Man on The Moon. Set to the Oasis track 'Half The World Away', recorded by 19-year-old rising music star, Aurora, the retailer's Christmas advert tells the story of a magical and unexpected connection between a little girl, Lily, and a Man who lives on the Moon. At its heart the narrative demonstrates the power of connection and thoughtfulness at Christmas - a time of great joy, but also a time when some might find themselves alone. The advert ends with the strapline 'Show someone they're loved this Christmas'.

The advert launches on the retailer's social media channels on Friday 6 November and it will then feature on TV for the first time that evening during the first advert break of Gogglebox on Channel 4. This follows a teaser campaign using #OnTheMoon, on television and social media which began last Sunday (1 November).

John Lewis has partnered with Age UK to drive awareness and support for some of the million older people who can go for a month without speaking to anyone. Throughout November and December, the retailer will be supporting Age UK in a number of ways, including in store and online activity, a text to donate mechanism and through the sales of selected Christmas merchandise.

Craig Inglis, Customer Director at John Lewis said, 'Our Christmas advert is once again all about going the extra mile to give someone the perfect gift. This year though, the story is told in a uniquely creative and engaging way as we see Lily, our heroine, go to great lengths to connect with the Man on the Moon.

'We hope it inspires people to find really special gifts for their loved ones and through our partnership with Age UK, raises awareness of the issue of loneliness amongst older people and encourages others to support in any way they can.'

This message will be amplified beyond the TV campaign through a range of channels: moon pop-ups will land in 11 John Lewis shops - providing the opportunity to take photos with the moon back drop, learn about the moon and find out more about this Christmas's Age UK partnership.

The retailer has also created a Man On The Moon App that uses augmented reality to bring the moon to life. By pointing a phone at the Man on the Moon image - found on posters, John Lewis shopping bags, click and collect boxes and many more places; or simply by holding the device up towards the moon itself, users can unlock a 3D interactive moon that releases daily facts and animations in the countdown to Christmas Day's full moon. The app also features a Man on the Moon themed game in which the player has to avoid obstacles, and collect power ups in a bid to get a chosen object all the way up to the Man on the Moon.

Man On The Moon has been created by advertising agency adam&eve DDB. It is directed by Kim Gehrig through Somesuch, with post production at The Mill.

The campaign with media planning and buying by Manning Gottlieb OMD begins with two 120 second TV spots on the 6 and 7 November and is supported by a combination of three shorter versions for six weeks.

The ad can be viewed on www.johnlewis.com/christmas-advert and on the John Lewis YouTube channel www.youtube.com/johnlewisretail from 8am Friday.

Notes to editors

John Lewis - John Lewis operates 45 John Lewis shops across the UK (32 department stores, 11 John Lewis at home and shops at St Pancras International and Heathrow Terminal 2) as well as johnlewis.com. It is part of the John Lewis Partnership, the UK's largest example of worker co-ownership and all 30,000 John Lewis staff are Partners in the business. John Lewis, 'Best Clothing Retailer 2015' , 'Best Electricals Retailer 2015' and 'Best Homewares Retailer 2015'¹, typically stocks more than 350,000 separate lines in its department stores across fashion, home and technology. Johnlewis.com stocks over 280,000 products, and is consistently ranked one of the top online shopping destinations in the UK. John Lewis Insurance offers a range of comprehensive insurance products - home, car, wedding and event, travel and pet insurance and life cover - delivering the values of expertise, trust and customer service expected from the John Lewis brand.

¹ Verdict Consumer Satisfaction Awards 2015

Enquiries

For further information or images please contact:
Laura Askew, Communications Manager, Online & Flagships
Telephone: 020 7798 3396
Email: laura.askew@johnlewis.co.uk