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Comedy duo create Band Aid parody inspired by town

Matt WeigoldDerby
News imageReel Productions Two men in Christmas jumpers, a man dressed as Santa and another as an elf stand in a line with their arms around each other in a pub. The man on the left has short dark hair and a beard with the man dressed as Santa next to him. To the right of Santa, a man is wearing a green Christmas jumper covered partially by a cream bodywarmer and a brown flat cap. The man on the end is in a red elf outfit with green trim. His hat also has fake pixie ears attached. The pub has two large screens in the background, a Christmas tree, lamps and a darts board hanging from the ceiling . Reel Productions
"Santa noticed Matlock after all" are among the lyrics to a Band Aid parody set in the town

A comedy duo have teamed up with local businesses to release their third Derbyshire-themed Christmas single.

Mark Page and Craig Webb have asked if Santa will remember the people of Matlock this Christmas, in an adaptation of the 1984 Band Aid charity hit.

The music video for the song was filmed in pubs, shops, food stalls and takeaways in a bid to increase footfall and promote independent retailers.

"During these times when businesses are struggling, it's quite good to get them exposed," said Mr Webb. "We really love the people of Matlock, so I'm glad they enjoy the song."

"We do it for the community, to have a bit of fun, a laugh and a joke at Christmas and spread a bit of Christmas cheer," added Mr Page.

News imageReel Productions Three women are cheering behind the counter of a takeaway. The woman to the left is wearing a black Christmas jumper and a black woolly hat. She has long black hair and is leaning over. The woman in the middle has black tied up hair, a black fleece, black t-shirt, black trousers and has her hands in the air. The lady to the right has black hair in a bun, a black t-shirt covered by a long cream shirt and blue jeans. White napkins have been thrown through the air. There is a large price list on a black board behind them and a collection bucket on the counter.Reel Productions
Many of the businesses featured in the video are collecting for Ashgate Hospice

The pair met six years ago while filming in London on another project and used their shared sense of humour to record song parodies in Mr Page's home town.

In December 2023, they released Fairytale of Matlock, inspired by The Pogues, then followed up with an adaptation of Wizzard's festive classic to proclaim It's Christmas Down In Matlock Everyday.

Mr Webb has since moved to Ireland but returned to Derbyshire to record this year's Christmas single.

"We love Matlock and we really bigged it up," he said. "We want to remind people what a great community Matlock is for a small town."

The pair asked businesses if they would like to be involved in the filming and were pleased so many wanted to take part.

"It's fantastic that they want to get involved," added Mr Page. "It's important for those smaller businesses to get recognised so they can get some footfall through the door at Christmas time."

Although there are no physical sales of the single to raise money for a local cause, Mr Page said many businesses had been raising funds for Ashgate Hospice.

The facility suffered job cuts and reduced services in October, but recent fundraising has saved two inpatient beds from closure for a further six months.

Mr Page said: "We know Ashgate Hospice is struggling. It's good to show that people in the area are supporting them and want to raise money for them."

News imageReel Productions Two men in Christmas jumpers are dancing on a roundabout. The man on the right has short dark hair, a beard, black trousers, trainers and a colourful jumper which includes snowmen, candy canes and reindeer. The man on the left is wearing a green Christmas jumper covered partially by a cream bodywarmer, brown trousers and a brown flat cap. There is a blue sign with a white arrow on the roundabout and a sculpture of a crown. A black car and a red car are driving around the roundabout with shops in the background. The image has been edited so that it looks like it is snowing.Reel Productions
"Down on Crown Square, we're skint, but we're still having fun" are some of the alternative lyrics

The singers said they were delighted with the social media response to the video and hoped it had brought some Christmas cheer.

"We love the comments and we really love the people of Matlock, so I'm just glad that they enjoy the song," said Mr Webb.

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