The Funniest Marketing Moments in the UK This Century

A Quarter-Century of Chuckles

We’re a quarter of the way through the 21st century, and British marketing has given us some proper belly laughs. I’ve seen my fair share of campaigns that tickle the funny bone. But what’s been the cream of the crop?

The Gorilla in the Room

Remember when Cadbury’s decided to go bananas with their advertising? In 2007, they unleashed a gorilla playing Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” on drums. It was bonkers, brilliant, and had absolutely nothing to do with chocolate. Yet, it worked. Sales soared, and we all went ape for it.

Meerkats: The Unexpected Mascots

Compare the Market’s meerkats have been around since 2009, but they’re still going strong. Who’d have thought that some furry little critters with Russian accents would become the face of insurance comparison? It’s simples, really – they’re just too lovable to ignore.

Old Spice: The Man Your Man Could Smell Like

Alright, this one’s technically American, but it made such waves here that I can’t not mention it. The Old Spice guy, with his rapid-fire monologues and absurd scenarios, had us all in stitches. It proved that even “boring” products could be hilarious with the right approach.

Aldi’s Like Brands. Only Cheaper.

Aldi’s been on a roll with their comparative ads. Remember the gin-loving granny? “I don’t like tea. I like gin.” It’s cheeky, relatable, and pokes fun at both themselves and their competitors. Brilliant stuff.

The Last Word

What makes these campaigns stand out? They’re unexpected, they take risks, and most importantly, they don’t take themselves too seriously. In a world where we’re bombarded with ads, a good laugh can make all the difference.

As we move further into this century, I can’t wait to see what other hilarious campaigns British marketers will cook up. If the past 25 years are anything to go by, we’re in for a treat.

Kevin Harrington

I’m a UK-based B2B marketing consultant, specialising in strategic advice for SME business owners. I bring extensive hands-on expertise to every client engagement. Senior leadership roles across technology, media, payments, and publishing have shaped my practical approach. Highlights include serving as Chief Marketing Officer at The Panoply plc (now TPXimpact), Chief Commercial Officer at Tungsten Network, and Global Marketing Director at BBC Worldwide. Over the years, I’ve guided numerous SMEs through transformation and value creation. Helping businesses evolve and thrive is a genuine passion. Practical marketing insights and succession planning strategies are at the heart of what I do, as I believe growing a business’s asset value should be a rewarding and positive journey for every entrepreneur.

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