“Clangers is a beloved family brand”

As Coolabi’s Clangers brand marks 50 years, Source takes a look at what’s planned.

Clangers first aired on November 16, 1969 and the brand’s 50th anniversary year will see series three launch on CBeebies. 26 new episodes take the total to 104, and forms part of a year-long campaign. The original 1969 episode, featuring the little blue planet landing has also been restored to be shown at special screenings, featuring Q&As.

50 years ago, Clangers captured the nation’s imagination with recognisable characters and creative tales from Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate. “The story telling was filled with joy and encouraged us to be respectful and kind to each other. These are principles parents still value today,” Michael Dee, director of content at Coolabi Group explains.

The new series will pay tribute to these themes and the classic series, while appealing to a new generation. “The show is one of the few beloved family brands that has been passed down from grandparents to parents, and now from parents to their children,” says Michael.

Last year, Coolabi announced a partnership with Star Editions to create the first online Clangers shop. Throughout 2019, new products will mark the anniversary, from Little Clangers – bespoke gifts for children, to Clangers – gifts for all the family, to the Heritage range – tapping into the nostalgia of the brand. There will also be a range of new partners.

“We are absolutely thrilled to marketing 50 years of Clangers. Since the new series whistled hello on CBeebies in 2015, it has been enjoyed by millions of families,” enthuses Michael. “The recurring themes will always be central to our brand activity and the 50th anniversary campaign is no different – we will be celebrating love, kindness and whistles.”

This feature originally appeared in the spring 2019 edition of Licensing Source Book. Click here to read the full publication.

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