Derry Girls fans are to get a sneak preview of a new exhibition of original sets, props and the 90s memorabilia that brought the hit comedy to life.
A 'taster display' will open at the Visit Derry visitor information centre in the city on Thursday, ahead of a full exhibition set to open at the Tower Museum in July.
The move comes ahead of a planned ' Derry Girls Experience' trail to form part of a wider visitor experience in the summer.
Read next: Irish Film and Television Awards: Northern Irish talents nominated for top accolades
Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Sandra Duffy, said she was looking forward to getting a sneak peak of the collection.
“Like everyone who’s a fan of the show, I’ve been missing the antics of Erin, Michelle, Clare, Orla and James since Derry Girls ended," the Mayor said.
"The show has become such an important vehicle for promoting Derry, which has taken on a momentum all of its own, thanks to the wonderful vision and insight of Lisa McGee."
She continued: “It’s really important that we build on that new awareness, and continue to connect with fans of the series who want to continue their Derry Girls journey and see for themselves what makes this part of the world so special. I’m really looking forward to seeing the final exhibition when it all comes together in July.”
The council’s head of culture, Aeidin McCarter, said: “We have had great feedback since the plans for a pilot Derry Girls exhibition were announced in January. I think everyone recognises the real value of the Derry Girls brand in terms of tourism potential, with more than 2.5 million people right across the world tuning in to watch the show, resulting in great national and international exposure for the city and wider region.
“This exhibition will create an immersive visitor experience completely unique to Derry that will showcase both our history and the cultural scene at that time, as captured so vividly in the show, and generate greater interest in the DCSDC area as a major visitor destination.”
Chief executive of Visit Derry, Odhran Dunne, said: “Derry Girls has provided an incredible opportunity to raise the profile of the destination and inspire visits from audiences around the world. We regularly undertake promotions in international markets and are encouraged to see there is fantastic awareness of Derry Girls with a huge fan base all around the globe.
“From speaking to locals and visitors daily at our Visitor Information Centre, we know there is strong demand to enjoy the Derry Girls inspired tours and experiences on offer here. Fans already visit to walk the same streets as the characters, devour Derry Girls-themed afternoon teas and take selfies at the UV Arts Derry Girls mural on Orchard Street.
"The new Derry Girls pilot experience opening this summer will undoubtedly bolster the existing Derry Girls tourism experiences on offer and allow us to further connect with fans of the show as they immerse themselves in the world of Derry Girls. Ahead of the pilot opening, we are excited to host the taster display which gives a glimpse of some of the original props from the show and we look forward to engaging with fans to see what they hope to see in the exhibition.”
The Derry Girls exhibition to be unveiled in July will feature set dressings, furniture and original props from the TV show, in partnership with Hat Trick Productions.
The taster display will be available to view at the Visit Derry building in Waterloo Street from March 16th until June 23rd.
READ NEXT:
- Leading GP's warning amid 'mass exodus' of junior doctors and consultants from Northern Ireland
- Attacks on police in Derry 'orchestrated behind the scenes', warn local MLAs
- Brooke Scullion and Damian McGinty through to Dancing with the Stars grand final
- St Patrick's Day parade in Derry: Tens of thousands expected on city streets
To get the latest breaking news from Co Derry straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
