One of the silver screen’s best known actors and star of the award-winning television series, "Downton Abbey," has visited Derry.
Richard E Grant, star of such hit films as “Prêt-à-Porter” and “Jack and Sarah,” was in the city yesterday to record a promotional film as part of a campaign to bring more visitors to the banks of the Foyle.
The Swazi-born English actor, screenwriter, and director.has teamed up with [Tourism Ireland Smooth Radio, the third largest radio brand in Britain, in a new promotion to showcase Derry and Northern Ireland.
The campaign – which will be rolled out in two phases – will reach about 5.5 million people across Great Britain.
The films will be promoted on the Smooth Radio website and through on-air mentions.
They will also be shared via social media – targeting Tourism Ireland’s audience on Facebook (430,000 fans in Britain alone) and Twitter (67,000+ followers).
Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s Deputy Head of Great Britain, said Grant was a “great fit” for the the campaign and its key audience of “culturally curious” holidaymakers.
She said his appearances in films and “Downtown Abbey” had “cemented” his popularity and made him one of the best-known faces on British television.
She added: “Our newest promotion has been specifically designed to highlight holidays and short breaks in Northern Ireland to our ‘culturally curious’ audience in Great Britain.
“These are independent, active sightseers, who are typically looking to visit new places and expand their experience by exploring landscapes, history and culture.
“We are really excited to be working with Richard E Grant and Smooth Radio, as they are a great fit with this important demographic.
“This is just one element of our extensive promotional programme that we are rolling out this year – aimed at boosting travel to Northern Ireland from Great Britain during 2016.”
Photo shows Richard E Grant on Derry’s Peace Bridge with Julie Wakley (left), Darren Quinton and Hayley Pitts, all Tourism Ireland.
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