The Isle of Man is set to gain some great TV coverage following recent visits from two high profile TV crews. ITV Countrywise travelled to the Island to film for their programme earlier in the year with presenters Paul Heiney and Bettany Hughes and BBC Countryfile visited last week with John Craven and Julia Bradbury.
ITV Countrywise will be broadcast this Monday 25th June on ITV1 at 8.00pm. This will be the first episode of a new series where the presenters, Paul Heiney and Bettany Hughes, will be exploring the Island’s countryside and meeting the people who make it special. The programme will feature the Isle of Man’s myths, legends and folklore. Paul takes a railway trip to the summit of Snaefell and tries to get to the bottom of how the Manx cat came to lose its tail. Meanwhile historian Bettany Hughes explores the Island's proud Viking legacy - 'discovering' buried treasure. Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, the Laxey Wheel, historian Peter Kelly MBE and John ‘Dog’ Callister are also featured in the programme.
Meanwhile, BBC One’s Countryfile will be broadcast on Sunday 1st July. The film crew spent two days filming at many locations around the Island. John Craven rode round the TT course with Isle of Man Trike Tours and also took in a visit to Greeba Farm, the World War II plane crash site at North Barrule and Close Sartfield reserve to view the spectacular display of orchids. Meanwhile Julia Bradbury went searching for basking sharks and fishing for Queenies.
Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK, Political Member for the Department of Economic Development with responsibility for Tourism said:
‘I was very pleased to welcome the crews from BBC Countryfile and ITV Countrywise and it is tremendous that we continue to attract first class television coverage from such high profile programmes. The Department of Economic Development’s aim is to raise awareness in our key target markets and create a positive image of the Isle of Man and it is essential that we continue to convey key messages about the Island as a visitor destination.’
The Island also received excellent coverage on ITV4 during the TT fortnight. Fourteen one-hour programmes and three one hour specials, presented by Craig Doyle, were aired throughout the Festival. Other TV production companies hosted this year include NBC Universal, BBC Antiques Road Trip and BBC Scotland ‘Go Explore’.
Photo caption - ITV Countrywise TV crew: L-R: Paul Heiney, Presenter; Paul Thompson, Camera; Karen Griggs, Producer; Adam Tavner, Sound; Paul Freeman, Director; Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK; Mike Reynolds, Manx National Heritage.
