John Lewis Christmas advert: 'Old raver' on why he instantly connected with the John Lewis Christmas ad

Andy Armstrong, 65, has become a master of the 24-hour Ibiza rave, having previously travelled to the party island with just a spare change of clothes in a shopping carrier bag for 15 hours and 24 hours in 2023 and 2024.

He also flew there for an epic one-night 'Den-Do' - a dad and daughter hen do back in July.

This year's John Lewis advert "focuses on a teenage son who uses music as a medium to express the feelings for his dad he can't find the words for."

In the advert the dad finds himself in a rave in the 90s with his son across the room - after being gifted a vinyl record of 'Where Love Lives' by Alison Limerick - classic house record.

Aside from the house hits, Andy found the advert connected with him on other levels too.

Andy, a steelworker, from Yarm-on-Tees, Stockton-on-Tees, North Yorkshire, said: "It instantly resonated with me. As you know, I have been to Ibiza with my daughters, and I'm fortunate that I don't need to imagine raving with them, we have raved together.

"I literally watched it on replay many times over the day. Something else occurred to me too - the display of affection nowadays between the father and son - I love that.

"I was brought up in a working-class environment and was never under any doubt that I was loved by my dad, but the males of my generation never hugged our parents when we were teenagers.

"It just wasn't done, now maybe if we had listened to house music instead of anti-establishment punk, it would have been different."

Andy fell in love with raving and the party island back in 1981 whilst on a lad's holiday when he was 21.

But after the loss of his wife several years ago, Andy was unsure whether he'd ever return to Ibiza again.

After his daughter, Tiffany, persuaded him to go back with her in July 2018, his "love affair" with Ibiza restarted.

Andy believes the festive advert won't be topped and the track could top the charts for this year's Christmas number one.

He said: "First of all a banging tune, a 90's dance classic. And two versions of it in one advert. A son knowing his dad's musical taste, and getting him it on vinyl, which is always the better option.

"The dad, transporting himself back in time to a rave and then reminiscing through his life with his son growing up.

"Definitely the best Christmas advert, without even seeing the rest. And without doubt, this year's Christmas number one.

"It will be an earworm for anyone who knows the tune or equally to a first timer.

"I would be more than happy if this vinyl appeared under my Christmas tree – hint to my daughters."