Derry Girls: Date set for opening of new exhibiton
It opens to the public on July 4th, running until July 2024
The Tower Museum in Londonderry is preparing to showcase a treasure trove of original items from the hit show Derry Girls as the exhibition officially open its doors on Monday July 3rd.
The comedy has captivated audiences around the world since the award-winning series first hit our screens.
The city that inspired writer Lisa Magee’s nostalgic tribute to growing up in the city will host the collection, which features an array of the iconic costumes and set pieces that set the scene for 90’s Derry.
The exhibition will feature a host of times from the original set with a variety of set dressings, furniture, and original props from the TV show. It will also use AR technology to provide some interactive elements to the exhibition making it a real user friendly experience.
It will go on public display on July 4th, running until July 2024.
Plans for a pilot were first given the go ahead in January, with £71,000 secured through the Tourism NI Market Led Product Development Programme 2022/23, and additional funds from Council’s Museum Services Programme bringing the budget to £80,000.
Announcing the opening date for the exhibition today, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, said the collection would be a fantastic legacy for the city.
She said: “I am so excited to see the Derry Girls collection coming home to Derry where it will be warmly welcomed by everyone. I really want to thank Tourism NI for their support and both Lisa McGee and Hat Trick Productions for collaborating with Council to establish this legacy for the series, bringing it back to its original roots. And also, to acknowledge the support of NI Screen/Northern Ireland Screen in recognising the amazing potential of locations like Derry as the backdrop for exciting new film and TV productions and their support with this experience.
“To have iconic memorabilia like Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s famous pyjamas and Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater, not to mention the infamous Spice Girls costumes in our Museum Collection, will really be a major resource for Derry and help bring the story back to where Lisa McGee found her inspiration in the family, friends and the streets of this city where she grew up.
“There is already an upsurge in visitors who have been drawn here to find out more about the origins of the show, the history that shaped it, and this collection will add further to the Derry Girls experience for visitors. I look forward to the exhibition launch, and also plans to develop that experience throughout the city involving a range of partners dedicated to telling the story of Derry.”
Since airing on Netflix it has reached global audiences, shining a spotlight on the city’s warmth and humour in stark contrast to the dark days of the Troubles.
Head of Culture with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter, said there was already great interest in the exhibition.
She added: “We are just delighted to announce the opening of this exhibition which is a fitting tribute to Lisa McGee’s creation and really takes it all back to its origins. It’s an opportunity to tell the story right here in the city and for visitors to see it in the context of the place that Lisa wanted to celebrate.
“Hat Trick Productions have been fantastic in recognising the importance of that legacy and we are considering now the longer-term significance of the collection and how it can be used to showcase the city. We are looking forward to working with Visit Derry, Tourism NI and all our tourism and hospitality partners to develop that wider experience and really give visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Derry Girls story while they are here. It has huge tourism potential and we will work in partnership to explore new ideas around the Derry Girls theme that will benefit a range of businesses here in the city.”
Derry Girls Afternoon Tea at the Everglades Hotel
The Derry Girls Afternoon Tea features the cream horn, shared by Granda Joe, a cone of chips in homage to the Chippy fiasco, the famous Derry sausage roll baps, a classic Tayto Cheese & Onion crisp sarnie, as well as a host of local tray bake favourites that would make Ma Mary proud. Enjoy Derry Girls Afternoon Tea for £30 per person and receive an exclusive Hastings Derry Girls Duck. This experience must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
Derry Girls Original Sites Tour
Derry Girls Original Sites Tour showcases the locations of some of the most hilarious scenes from the television sensation. Dennis's Wee Shop, Pump Street and many others are taken in on this fun filled tour. So, if you're not sure what the difference is between a cream finger and a cream horn, you will find out on the Derry Girls sites walking tour.
Derry Girls Mural
The city's most selfie friendly spot, the Derry Girls Mural - commissioned by Channel 4 to promote the second series - is a must-see for fans of the show. The mural depicts the five main characters – for which UV Arts' Karl Porter painted the uniform, Raymond Boner the hair and Dave O'Hara the facial features. Eagle eyed fans will notice that UV Arts have temporarily changed the original painting, which showed Michelle holding up two fingers in the peace sign, to three fingers as a nod to the third series.
Smash Hits Selfie
Head to Visit Derry's Visitor Information Centre to get your selfie with the official Derry Girls Smash Hits cut-out. The Visitor Centre has loads of classic Derry Girls memorabilia as well as interactive and fascinating installations about the history of Derry.
Derry Girls Tour with Martin McCrossan City Tours
walk in the footsteps of the characters with Derry girl, Charlene McCrossan, for a walking tour of the most famous filming locations in the city, including the Derry Girls mural. The Derry Girls Tour leaves every Saturday at 12:00. It costs £10.00pp and lasts approximately 2 hours. Pre booking is essential.
New Derry Girls Food Tour
Fans of the show will taste the food from the show and even get to make their very own cream horn at Doherty's Bakery followed by a flaming sambuca at a local bar. The tour will showcase the humour, personality and character that Derry is famous for, and people will be stuffed to the gills by the end of the tour. The Derry Girls Food tour is available from Wild Atlantic Travel Co Taste the North West from June.
Plus lots more to discover across the city
Visit the Walled City Brewery and enjoy one of the Derry Girls inspired small batch beers such as 'Sexy Priest', 'Punt Purse' or 'Derry Spice'. Stay cool with a visit to Dairy Girls ice cream parlour located beside the Derry Girls mural, name that tune at The Yellow Yard record shop featured in series 3 that's now a quirky retail store with independent traders or take a trip to Foyle Books which is a second-hand bookshop located in the stunning Craft Village.
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