Blackpool Council has partnered with Merlin Entertainments to launch the city’s ‘biggest ever’ marketing campaign, spearheaded by a Johnny Vegas-voiced seagull.
The £1.3 million ‘Only in Blackpool’ campaign sees Nigel C Gull showcase the seaside resort’s ‘distinctive charm and character’ in a bid to reaffirm its status as the UK’s ‘capital of fun’ and ultimate holiday destination for families.
Launching across TV, radio, social media and video-on-demand platforms, the ‘straight talking’ video displays the charismatic Johnny Vegas exploring the city’s various attractions including the Blackpool Tower, the Pleasure Beach, Madame Tussauds and Sea Life.
Produced by Wavemaker and Creature London agency, Nigel was also created by award-winning puppeteer Andy Heath, who has worked with the BBC, Lucas Films, The Jim Henson Company and Disney.
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“Merlin is hugely committed to Blackpool – we recently opened our new Peter Rabbit: Explore and Play and will soon launch another new family-focused attraction to complement our seven other long-standing attractions,” Merlin Entertainments Blackpool regional director, Kate Shane, said.
“We can’t wait for our guests to experience all we have to offer this summer – as Nigel would say, there is plenty to squawk about in Blackpool!”
Merlin Entertainments head of marketing, Kerry Thomas added: “After six months of talking birds and beaks, today we launch Blackpool’s largest ever resort marketing campaign, to celebrate the UK’s capital of fun!”
“When I moved to Blackpool 2 years ago my first job was writing a brief for a new resort destination campaign… it’s been a long wait, but it’s amazing to see it finally come to life!”
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