AFTER discovering a town’s Christmas light switch-on had to be cancelled this year, an entertainment manager decided she would create a special video to spread festive cheer.

Jodie Hunt, of Ramsey Road, Dovercourt, has rallied local clubs and community groups together to help form a Christmas video for residents to enjoy.

The 21-year-old, who has recently returned home for the winter from working a season away as a holiday park entertainment manager, usually sings at Dovercourt’s Christmas light switch-on.

But when she found out it was not running this year, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, she wanted to make a short film where clubs read out their festive messages.

Jodie, who used to work for Border Force at Harwich International Port, said: “I normally sing at the Christmas light switch-on and I contacted Chris Scutt who usually organises it to find out if it was happening again this year.

“As it wasn’t able to go ahead, I suggested to Chris that I make a video full of Christmas wishes from clubs around the local area.”

The pair collected messages from a range of groups which included, Harwich Sing, Harwich and Dovercourt Rugby Club, Harwich Runners, The Oakleys and Ramsey Beavers and The 4th Dovercourt Sea Scouts.

A special message from Father Christmas is also featured in the film as well as singing clips from performers Penny Dee and Wendy Wild.

Jodie added: “I came up with the idea of an alternative to the switch-on as we usually do.

“I know lots of clubs haven’t been able to meet either due to the current circumstances so it was a way of bringing everyone together to spread some Christmas cheer.

“I sing the backing throughout the video as well as some clips from the other two singers.

“Everyone had filmed their own videos from home due to social distancing and lockdown, which makes it feel more unique and memorable.”

This is Jodie’s second video project of the year aimed at lifting people’s spirits.

Back in April, during the nation’s first lockdown, Jodie created a parody music video of Alphabeat’s chart-topping single Fascination.

She replaced the words of the noughties’ anthem with lyrics which capture the struggles of living in isolation during the Covid-19 outbreak and named the parody version Isolation.

The video was viewed by hundreds of people on YouTube.

Jodie said the parody also highlighted the importance of staying inside to support our NHS frontline staff.

The Christmas video was released on YouTube on Tuesday.

To view the film click here.