Asda’s new Christmas ad is testament to Tyldesley’s community spirit – and much-discussed tree

The new Christmas advert from Asda has only been out a few days, but it’s already captured the heart of Mancunians.

Back in 2016, residents of Tyldesley, Wigan, famously dubbed their Christmas tree the worst in Britain, commenting on it’s sad and slightly dead-looking appearance.

But soon after, efforts by local volunteers saw it transformed with handmade decorations and colourful tinsel.

Now, Asda has paid tribute to the town’s community spirit with a heart-warming advert that captures the true spirit of the Christmas season.

Filmed on School Street, it follows the story of Tilly, a young girl with huge generosity of spirit, on a mission to spread Christmas joy throughout her town in honour of her late granddad.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZnSLNld5Mc

Remembering his sage words, she sets off to capture what she’s told her is “Santa’s leftover magic,” using only a jar and a rod she makes using her grandad’s walking stick.

Winding it high above the clouds, she uses the device to capture the aurora borealis before roaming the town with her brother Jack – magic in hand – ready to spread some festive cheer.

In their first act spreading Christmas joy a beautiful Evergreen fir bursts fully-decorated from the floor in a nod to the town’s much-discussed 2016 tree.

And as Tilly and her brother roam the streets, more magical transformations follow.

They blow wisps of magical light through neighbour’s letterboxes, across bus stops and at wan-looking homes, creating a festive wonderland as they go.

An ordinary man is transformed into a snowman, the local cat gets a fabulous new jumper and magic sleigh, and people waiting for their buses turn in to gingerbread people.

Giant candy canes and festive lights line the streets, but little Tilly only uses up the magic on others and leaves nothing for herself.

So her older brother collects more Christmas magic for her and drops it in her bedroom while she sleeps, causing magic snowflakes to fall over her bed.

He ends the advert with a heart-warming “Merry Christmas, spud.”

This year, as a thank you to the town, Asda will be returning with giant Christmas decorations to add some festive magic to the tree.

The supermarket chain is also helping the community to host a Christmas event in December as a thank-you to the local people, with festive treats like mince pies and hot chocolate.