Plans to introduce a new Derry Girls exhibition and walking trail in the city have received approval from the local council.
Members of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Business and Culture Committee approved the plans, which hope to see the city’s link with the iconic show strengthened.
The exhibition will open at the Tower Museum in the city, while the Derry Girls Trail which will establish key filming locations for the hit show is currently being developed in partnership with Visit Derry.
READ MORE: Altnagelvin nurse on 50 years looking after local people
The council says the pilot visitor exhibition ‘will be used to test public interest in the concept, before working towards a more ambitious permanent visitor experience in the city featuring a more extensive Derry Girls collection’.
Funding of more than £70,000 is being provided by Tourism NI for the projects.
“I am delighted to see Tourism NI investing in this exciting venture for the City, which I am confident will become an important part of our tourism product,” committee chair John McGowan said.
“The Derry Girls phenomenon has really captured the imagination – not just here, but across the world – and has the potential to draw visitors from far and wide to experience for themselves the warmth, humour and uniqueness of this wonderful place.
“ I think we have an opportunity now to build on that profile, and to show visitors what inspired Lisa McGee to share her experience of life growing up in Derry with the rest of the world.”
A taster promotional display for the Tower Museum exhibition is expected to open in March of this year and will feature iconic items from the Channel 4 show, with the bigger exhibition due to open in the summer.
Head of Culture with the local council, Aeidin McCarter, said visitors will be able to see some of the original sets and props from the show.
“The project will highlight the social impact of the Derry Girls phenomenon, the roots of its setting against the backdrop of 1990s culture, the Troubles and of course the Peace process, all captured with great humour and poignancy in the show.
“We will offer visitors the chance to see a variety of set dressings, furniture and original props from the TV show, in partnership with Hat Trick Productions.”
READ NEXT:
- Derry tour guide on father's legacy and what makes her home city unique
- Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee becomes first woman to be awarded the Freedom of Derry
Derry Girls 'Stars In Their Eyes' routine inspired by Lisa McGee's teenage years
- Dancing With The Stars: Brooke Scullion breaks record as she receives top score in first week
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here
