Vodafone's four decades of festivity

Vodafone has launched its 2024 Christmas campaign, celebrating four decades of Christmas on the 'Nation’s Network'.

Vodafone has always been at the forefront of Britain's telecoms-connectivity, with the first ever mobile phone call made, and the first ever text message sent (which read ‘Merry Christmas’) both undertaken on the Vodafone network.

This nostalgic campaign looks back at the last 40 years and highlights that, while technology has changed, the joy of connecting with loved ones at Christmas remains the same. From the wonder of the brick-shaped car phone, through design classics like the Nokia 3310, to Matrix-like flip phones, and all the way to modern handsets, the evolution of technology is featured, but the importance of family connection doesn't change. 

The 90-second spot was created by Leo Burnett London and directed by Tom Speers through SMUGGLER , and the campaign will be further brought to life by a bespoke four-part social content series fronted by TV and radio presenter Roman Kemp and his mum, singer and author, Shirlie Kemp, that builds on the nostalgic sentiment of the ad.

“This campaign takes us back in time – from the first brick phones, early text slang, selfies and video calls – showing that while the tech might have changed (thankfully), the joy of connecting with loved ones at Christmas has stayed wonderfully the same," said Mark Elwood, Chief Creative Officer at Leo Burnett UK. "It’s all about celebrating the moments that really matter, connecting with friends and family.”