Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball back for 4th year

Global Radio has announced plans for the return of their major Capital FM-branded pre-Christmas concert.

The Jingle Bell Ball will be sponsored again by Windows 7, as the Capital Network of stations join forces for the event for the first time since ‘going national’ in January.

Microsoft have signed a six-figure deal with Global, which has been orchestrated by media agency UM London. As well as on air and online activity, the partnership will use Facebook to encourage listeners to play ‘Secret Santa’ with their friends. Prizes for the promotion include Jingle Bell Ball tickets, Windows 7 PCs and on-air shout-outs from Capital presenters.

The date, venue and artists haven’t yet been announced but tickets go on sale for the event on Monday. We’re told the all-important information will be revealed on air this Saturday morning during Dave Berry’s show.

Last year’s Jingle Bell Ball took place at the o2 Arena in London on the first weekend of December, with appearances from artists including McFly, Olly Murs, Kylie Minogue, JLS and Akon.

Mike Gordon, Global Radio’s Managing Director – Commercial said: “It’s great to have Windows 7 as our headline sponsor for the third year running. Across this time we’ve worked together to create incredible, award winning campaigns and I’m sure this partnership will take it to another level again. We’re very excited by this year’s event and we’re sure Windows 7 and our listeners will be too.”

James Graver, Ideation, UM London said: “The Jingle Bell Ball is the perfect platform to showcase the whole of Microsoft’s portfolio and amplify the multi-product campaign currently running across TV and online. It’s also now firmly established as one of music’s best family events – and this partnership puts Microsoft at the very heart of the experience.”

Paul Davies, Director of Marketing Communications at Microsoft UK added: “We are thrilled to be working with Global Radio again and see the Jingle-Bell Ball as a great platform to show some of the myriad ways people use Windows PCs, Windows Phones, Kinect for Xbox and Office to connect with their friends and family at the festive time of year. By focusing on familiar situations that are shared by our audience, this is a great time to show how our users can get the most out of our technology.”