A heartwarming new video is inspiring the people of Midhurst to support their local businesses this Christmas. Produced by Scaffell Media, the short film titled “Merry Christmas to All” brings together the town’s bakers, mechanics, vets, gym owners, bookshop owners, and more, all reading verses from Clement Clarke Moore’s beloved poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas.
Highlighting Local Diversity Through Festive Spirit
Scaffell Media director Samuel Pearson spearheaded the project as a labor of love, aiming to celebrate the breadth and resilience of Midhurst’s business community. “I wanted to make something festive for the local community,” Pearson said, explaining that the idea came to him while watching The Holiday, a film synonymous with Christmas cheer.
Recognising a lull in the media industry during the season, Pearson used his time to create a video that would shine a spotlight on the town’s businesses. “We weren’t paid by anyone; we just wanted to get it out the door before Christmas,” he emphasized.
The project resonates deeply with Pearson, who recently returned to Midhurst after a previous stint living in the area while his partner worked at the Cowdray Estate. His return revealed a changed town still grappling with the aftermath of last year’s devastating Angel Inn fire, which had far-reaching effects on local businesses.
Midhurst Businesses Look to Bounce Back
The fire led to the prolonged closure of North Street, a key retail area in Midhurst, cutting off pedestrian access for months. The disruption was catastrophic for local businesses, but Pearson hopes the video serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting these establishments, especially during the busy festive season.
“The fire changed things so much; every single business was affected,” Pearson noted. By creating the video, he hoped to give back to a community still recovering from the ripple effects of the incident.
Community Spirit Shines Through
The response to the video has been overwhelmingly positive. Garnering 20,000 views in just two days, it’s clear that the message of staying local this Christmas has resonated. “It was mind-blowing,” Pearson said of the reception. “It just goes to show how many people care about this.”
As the video continues to circulate, its message is clear: shopping local isn’t just about convenience, but about investing in the resilience and future of Midhurst’s businesses. For residents, the video serves as both a celebration of their community and a call to action to keep their local economy thriving.
For more information please contact Scafell Media Ltd / scafellmedia.co.uk.
