So, who spotted a few of our local shops in the new Visa 2019 Christmas advert?

The new campaign from Visa features 13 real shopkeepers which include a greengrocer, bookseller, cafe owner and antique dealer - singing Queen’s Somebody to Love to inspire people to visit their high streets and shop locally this Christmas.

And guess what? The advert features a few of our local independent shops! Dulwich book shop Village Books owned by Hazel Broadfoot has bagged itself a starring role. Not only did the local bookshop make the final edit but one of its staff (who has had no professional training) Ella Bucknall, was chosen to sing the last lines of the song.

Also making an appearance in the advert is Brockwell Art services and Blackbird bakery down Railton Road in Dulwich/Herne Hill. The street looks super Christmassy covered in (fake) snow and dimly lit shop windows.

This is a really heartwarming advert and one of our favourites so far, as it coveys an important message when it comes to shopping this Christmas - encouraging shoppers to switch their focus from what they are buying to where they are buying.

These independent retailers that adorn our high streets are the heart of our community. Without them, our high streets would be a pretty dull place full of chains and huge corporations. It is important that we support the businesses in our local community - plus it’s so much nicer knowing where your money is actually going. Something to think about over this festive period.

Anyway, one thing is for sure, this advert definitely garners the Christmas spirit!