Muppets Mania In Belfast To Promote 'Sesame Tree'

A new media project aimed at encouraging Northern Ireland children to explore and appreciate the world around them, and promoting respect and understanding, will debut on BBC Two Northern Ireland television on the 5th and 6th of April.
At the launch of ‘Sesame Tree’ in BBC Blackstaff Studios, attended by Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, an audience of young and old alike were treated to the premiere of the first episode of the children’s series aimed at 3-6 year olds.
The television series will present engaging educational messages through stories and characters. Mr McGuinness spoke of the importance of nurturing and conditioning young minds to embrace diversity as sectarian traits have been found in children as young as three-year-olds.
Quoting Jean-Jacques Rousseau he said: “The world of reality has limits, the world of the imagination is boundless.”
Gary E. Knell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sesame Workshop said: "Sesame Workshop is proud to work with dedicated local partners like Sixteen South, BBC Northern Ireland, Queen's University, and the project's funder to create relevant, inspiring content that can bridge gaps and make a positive impact."
Colin Williams, Executive Producer said: “Working with our friends at Sesame Workshop, and amazingly talented local writers, performers and production staff, the series is beautifully rich in local culture and completely current with teaching based on the new Northern Ireland Curriculum. The characters, stores, and whole concept is very innovative and really charming.”
Peter Johnson, Controller BBC Ireland added: “This is a very exciting new venture for BBC Northern Ireland. We are delighted to be part of what we know will be a very entertaining and engaging series for children linking in to the Northern Ireland Curriculum, enhanced by our new Sesame Tree website.”
Sesame tree is produced by SixteenSouth, part of the Inferno Group, an award winning creative television production and facilities house based in Belfast, in association with Sesame Workshop, the producers behind Sesame Street, which now has cult status.
Funding for Sesame Tree is provided by the International Fund for Ireland, The American Ireland Fund, the Northern Ireland Fund for Reconciliation and Northern Ireland Screen.
SixteenSouth Limited was established in 2007 by Colin Williams and is part of the Inferno Group.
For further information:
www.infernogroup.com
(DS)