Derry to feature again in latest Antiques Roadshow episode this weekend

Antiques Roadshow at Ebrington Square, Derry

The Antiques Roadshow’s second trip to Derry city will be broadcast this weekend, with the second Ebrington Square installment set to screen on Sunday.

The latest episode of the popular BBC show was filmed in July of this year, with locals in Derry and the wider north west region invited to raid their attics and bring along any heirlooms or items that helped tell the story of the area down through the years.

Presenter Fiona Bruce joined the team to shine a light on local history, and particularly Ebrington Square, as part of a series of shows exploring various eras of the City and District’s colourful past.

It will be broadcast on BBC One at 7pm on January 21.

Looking ahead to the show, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue said: “I am so looking forward to seeing this episode of the Antiques Roadshow, and finding out what the team discovered during their visit.

“The show has a bit of a cult following and it will be a great opportunity to tell our story to a new audience, who probably don’t know a lot about the city other than what they have heard about the Troubles or through Derry Girls.”

She continued: “As one of Ireland’s most historic settlements, Derry has played a pivotal role in shaping the history of this island, but also history on a global level, so there are many chapters of its story that people can relate to. I hope everyone will tune in this weekend.”

The Derry and Strabane council revealed the Antiques Roadshow team linked in with the Tower Museum to assist with researching the show.

During initial conversations there were so many potential avenues to explore, a council spokesperson said, it was decided that one episode just wouldn’t do the story justice.

Head of culture with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter, explained: “When we first heard the Antiques Roadshow were coming to Derry we were absolutely thrilled as it has such a dedicated following.

“When we sat down to discuss aspects of Derry and Strabane’s heritage which we knew would be of interest to the audience, the stories just kept coming – from its dramatic maritime and military history, to the factory girls – and we realised it would be impossible to capture even a fraction in one episode.”

She added: “We are delighted that the team decided to take the time to explore further and focus on a number of eras, and with the help of local people uncovered a treasure trove of artefacts to help illustrate those stories.”

A third episode taking a look at the Derry Girls Exhibition which is currently on show at the Tower Museum will air in the coming months.

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