NI Sesame Street Goes National

A Northern Ireland produced version of the world-class kids' programme Sesame Street has gone on national UK-wide television.

Sesame Tree, the NI produced programme was broadcast on BBC Two - beginning 21st July - and is going on CBeebies Channel from 4th August.

Sesame Tree was co-produced by Belfast-based production company Sixteen South, part of the Inferno Group, and Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organisation behind Sesame Street.

It features characters such as Potto, Claribelle and Hilda (pictured) who were specially created and developed for audiences in Northern Ireland and brought to life by local performers.

Aligned to the revised Northern Ireland Statutory Curriculum, Sesame Tree presents engaging educational messages through stories and characters.

Each episode features Muppets, Potto and Hilda on an adventure filled with laughter and learning.

The duo answer questions on the many topics posed by children and introduce local live action films that showcase the diversity of Northern Ireland and cover different themes such as 'sharing' and 'patience'.

Peter Johnston, Controller BBC Northern Ireland said: "This is a very exciting new opportunity for UK viewers to see Sesame Tree programmes over the summer holidays.

"Broadcasting the programmes on CBeebies will enable children around the UK to share in the experience of children from all around Northern Ireland," he said.

NI-based Colin Williams, Executive Producer said: "We are very excited about Sesame Tree appearing on CBeebies.

"We are very proud of the series and it was an honour to work with our friends at Sesame Workshop, and amazingly talented local writers, performers and production staff. The series is beautifully rich in local culture and current with the Northern Ireland Curriculum as well as being entertaining for parents and children,"

Commenting Gary E. Knell, President of Sesame Workshop said: "Sesame Tree has been a fantastic project to work on and we are so proud that the series has been selected for CBeebies.

"The images we share and the stories we tell have the potential to extend far beyond the television screen to become a valuable resource for children growing up today throughout the entire UK."

Sesame Tree will be shown every day from 21 July on BBC Two at 7.45am and from 4 August on CBeebies Channel at 10.20am.

It is available to watch again at bbc.co.uk/iplayer.

(BMcC)