08 January 2010

Sesame Tree 'Grows' A Second Series

It has been announced that Sesame Tree, Northern Ireland's own version of the US Sesame Street is to return to TV screens this year with a second series.

Sesame Tree successfully aired on BBC Northern Ireland last March before being picked up by CBeebies and becoming a firm favourite of young children and their families across the UK.

Co-produced by SixteenSouth Television and Sesame Workshop, the new series, which is currently in development, has been acquired by CBeebies, and will once again be supported by educational outreach materials and an updated website.

The project is being funded by the International Fund for Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen.

Making the announcement Gary E. Knell, President of Sesame Workshop said: "We are incredibly excited to be continuing with Sesame Tree, and to have this opportunity to further develop this project with our partners in Northern Ireland.

"Our initial series was just the first step for this project - we believe that Sesame Tree has a great deal more to offer in terms of bringing inspiring, relevant content to this generation of young children in Northern Ireland, and across the whole of the UK."

Michael Carrington, Controller of CBeebies commented: "CBeebies is delighted to be associated with the Sesame Tree project for Northern Ireland and we are looking forward to working with our partners to help bring a second series and enhanced website to children across the UK."

Also welcoming the news, Sesame Tree's Executive Producer Colin Williams said: "We are thrilled that the next series of Sesame Tree will be broadcast on CBeebies - it's a great opportunity to showcase the children and stories of life in Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK.

"Sesame Tree remains completely home-grown – written and produced in Northern Ireland by the very best of our local talent.

Viewers of all ages can expect more great stories featuring our Sesame Tree residents, Potto and Hilda, with lots of local humour and short documentaries reflecting life in Northern Ireland through the eyes of a child," he said, noting that the success of Sesame Tree across the UK and the international awards that the show has already won proves that appealing, high quality children’s programming is now made in Northern Ireland.

(Photo: Copyright Sesame Workshop)

(BMcN/BMcC)