With many traditional Christmas lights, fayres and markets cancelled this year, Vodafone has created a new twist on a Christmas classic, with a 5G-powered light display, bringing to life Christmas drawings from children across the UK. Vodafone will donate £1 for every card designed to charity Barnardo’s*.
It’s easy to get involved, just create your festive design, take a picture on your phone and share on social media using #ConnectTheMagic. The images will then be sent back via the same social media platform you used to submit your illustration, via the comment or original tweet.
The huge 23 x 16 metre light display, which is made from 1600 bulbs and taller than the famous letters of the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, has been installed on the side of Cabot Circus shopping centre in Bristol.
The designs will be live streamed every evening in December between 5pm and 9pm, and can be watched live via the Vodafone hub. Participants will automatically receive digital images of their creations up in lights to be used as Christmas e-cards, no stamps required.
To help young artists get started with their creations, Rob Biddulph, creator of the hit lockdown art class for kids ‘Draw with Rob’, will be hosting a free Christmas card class on his Instagram and YouTube channels on Sunday 6 December. Rob selected the first card to go up in lights which was drawn by Ted, aged 2 from Salisbury.
Nick Jeffery, Chief Executive Officer, Vodafone UK said: “Keeping everyone connected has been our number one focus this year, and we want to do everything we can to keep people connected to the magic of Christmas, as well as to each other. We will give children the opportunity to see their Christmas cards up in lights, as well as to share them electronically with their friends and family. We want as many children as possible to help us ‘Light Up’ Britain while raising vital funds for Barnardo’s.”
Rob Biddulph said: “It’s such a great time of year for kids to show their creativity and what better way than on a huge wall of lights! I really enjoyed picking the first card to appear; Rory’s snowman was so charming, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the nation submits. For those who want a little hand or just some drawing fun, come along to my free Instagram art class – we’ll draw Christmas like never before.”
Barnardo’s Chief Executive, Javed Khan, said: “This has been an extremely challenging year for everyone, and especially for the vulnerable children and young people Barnardo’s supports. Many children and families across the UK risk missing out on the joy of the festive season, so we’re pleased that Vodafone is bringing so much light to the nation. With their help, and yours, we can help raise vital funds to keep supporting vulnerable children through the COVID crisis and as long as they need us.”
As charity partner of Barnardo’s, Vodafone also supported its Kidsmas Live Concert on Tuesday 1 December, helping to raise vital funds to support children and young people across the UK. It has also reopened its Great British Tech Appeal, calling on the UK to donate unwanted smartphones and tablets over the festive period and beyond to be redistributed to those in need.
Vodafone has also launched the gift of 30 days’ free data to 200,000 customers who don’t currently have unlimited data. The offer is redeemable on VeryMe via the MyVodafone app and must be activated by 21 December.
Follow the live feed and find out more about how Vodafone is helping keep the UK connected this Christmas at https://www.vodafone.co.uk/mobile/coronavirus-advice#connectthemagic.
