Feeling the festive spirit? A comedy duo has cooked up a hilarious Christmas treat, a parody of Band Aid's classic, with a Derbyshire twist! Mark Page and Craig Webb, the creative masterminds, have teamed up with local businesses to bring some much-needed cheer to Matlock this holiday season. Their latest release is their third Derbyshire-themed Christmas single, and it's bound to get you humming!
This isn't just a song; it's a community project. The music video, filmed in the heart of Matlock, features local pubs, shops, food stalls, and takeaways. The goal? To boost foot traffic and shine a spotlight on independent retailers. As Craig Webb puts it, "During these times when businesses are struggling, it's quite good to get them exposed." It's a heartwarming effort to support the local economy during a challenging period.
But here's where it gets controversial... The duo's adaptation of the iconic 1984 Band Aid hit asks a simple question: Will Santa remember the people of Matlock this Christmas? This playful nod to a global anthem is a clever way to celebrate their hometown. And this is the part most people miss... The duo's previous Christmas hits include "Fairytale of Matlock," inspired by The Pogues, and an adaptation of Wizzard's festive classic, proclaiming "It's Christmas Down In Matlock Everyday." These guys clearly have a knack for turning holiday classics into local anthems!
Mark and Craig's journey began six years ago while working on a project in London. Their shared sense of humor led them to record song parodies in Mark's hometown. Even though Craig has since moved to Ireland, he returned to Derbyshire to record this year's single, a testament to their love for Matlock. "We love Matlock and we really bigged it up," Craig shared. "We want to remind people what a great community Matlock is for a small town."
The businesses were thrilled to participate in the music video, recognizing the importance of visibility during the Christmas season. "It's fantastic that they want to get involved," Mark added. "It's important for those smaller businesses to get recognized so they can get some footfall through the door at Christmas time."
While the single isn't being sold to raise funds directly, many businesses have been supporting Ashgate Hospice, which faced job cuts and service reductions in October. Recent fundraising efforts have helped save two inpatient beds. Mark Page emphasized, "We know Ashgate Hospice is struggling. It's good to show that people in the area are supporting them and want to raise money for them."
The duo is delighted with the positive social media response. As Craig Webb concludes, "We love the comments and we really love the people of Matlock, so I'm just glad that they enjoy the song."
What do you think of this community-driven approach to spreading Christmas cheer? Do you agree that supporting local businesses is crucial, especially during the holidays? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
