Famous faces help keyworkers light up Norwich for Christmas

Norfolk celebrities come together for festive film.

Author: Abi SimpsonPublished 4th Dec 2020

A whole of host of famous faces from Norfolk, including Olivia Coleman, Stephen Fry and Steve Coogan, feature in a new short film coordinated by Norwich City Council.

The aim of the video is to boost morale, celebrate the efforts of keyworkers this year, and make sure everyone knows Norwich remains open for Christmas despite the pandemic.

Jake Humphrey, Nina Nannar, Norwich City legend Darren Huckerby and current stars Alex Tettey and Xavi Quintilla were also all involved.

The film follows a small boy who's worried that Christmas has been cancelled due to the Covid pandemic, and fearing the city will remain in darkness this festive season.

However, as he travels through Norwich, and backed by the applause of local celebrities, the lights begin to turn on.

The film ends with the main lights at Norwich's City Hall being turned on by a selection of the key workers who have worked so tirelessly to protect the city from Covid-19.

  • Jonny Wilson - Royal Mail
  • Gary Scott - Refuse Loader, Biffa
  • Britta Anderson - Deputy Sister, NHS
  • David Thomas - Principal, Jane Austen College
  • Victor Inyang - Medical Director, East Anglian Air Ambulance
  • Hannah Worsley - Project Manager, Norwich Foodbank
  • Mick Popey - Firefighter, Norfolk Fire and Rescue
  • Chris Clay - Police Officer, Norfolk Police

Councillor Alan Waters, who's Leader of the City Council, said: "Our residents have worked so hard to protect Norwich this year and this video is one way we can give something back for the sacrifices they’ve made.

“This has been an exceptionally tough year, but we have got through it together, and we hope the next one is much brighter. Happy Christmas to all of you.”

Broadcaster Jake Humphrey said:

"How can you not be on a video with Alan Partridge, Stephen Fry and Olivia Colman?

"I think the fact so many well-known people were so keen to be in this film, shows their true love for Norwich.

“As a Norwich boy I’ve never felt such togetherness in the city I call home – despite us being apart. My wife, Flo and Seb also enjoyed meeting the main man…Happy Christmas!”

The video was produced by Epic Studios.

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