Singing sensation Becky Hill blew everyone away at Bolton Lads and Girls club (BLGC) with a surprise performance of her Christmas single - stripped-back cover of Yazoo’s 1982 classic ‘Only You’ - featured in this year’s McDonald’s Christmas Advert.
The stunning set formed part of McDonald’s Christmas Carolling #ReindeerReady celebration to get everyone in early festive spirits. BLGC youth workers remarked how wonderful it was to see with children so excited, noting that many would have never been to a concert or live music show before, so this really was a huge treat for them. The moving version of the track features in McDonald’s Christmas advert ‘The List’, an emotive tale showcasing that the little things really do mean the most.
The performance took place in front of children and young people on a visit to Bolton Lads and Girls Club, a youth club which receives BBC Children in Need funding. The club provides a safe space for children, young people and families in the area, many of whom are facing a variety of challenges.
BLGC currently receives multiple grants from BBC Children in Need, one of which is for £30,000, over three years, to help deliver twice weekly drop-in sessions around music production, digital arts, photography, film making and blogging. During Becky’s visit, project managers explained that the music studio, which has been open at the club for four years now, is a huge attraction for many of the children, allowing them to explore their passion for music and collaborate with other young people. The project gives children and young people the opportunity to express themselves through lyric writing, storytelling, poetry, digital arts, digital music making, as well as providing vital skills.
Becky said: “Coming into the project I was so excited to see the incredible work that goes on here. I loved surprising the kids with a performance and seeing my excitement reflected back at me! My late grandfather showed me The Flying Pickets version of Only You when I was a child, so the song is really close to my heart. If people want to help families who need it most, then please download the song, as 10p from every download goes to BBC Children in Need.”
I feel very grateful to have seen first-hand at Bolton Lads & Girls Club exactly what the McDonald’s and BBC Children in Need partnership helps fund. The work done by Youth Workers at the project is truly remarkable. Local Bolton based McDonald’s restaurants are set to embark on a partnership with Youth Workers at the project to help with training and employment opportunities, as well as supporting the work being done there around mental wellbeing and confidence building, which could have an invaluable impact on the lives of so many young people.”
Louise Page, Head of Consumer Communications & Partnerships at McDonald’s UK said: “It’s an honour to bring such a special performance of our Christmas advert song to this project and highlight the incredible work they do. I’m proud we were able to shine a light on one of BBC Children in Need’s funded projects in Bolton and look forward to seeing how the relationship continues with the local restaurant”.
