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The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ is taking its Reel History of Britain Experience on tour in September, giving visitors unique access to a rich collection of archive film of their local area and the chance to step back in time and "star" in their own little bit of film history.

The event is free and will tour Glasgow, Grimsby, Peterborough and Leicester on various dates from September 9 (see below). As well as screenings of archive film, there will be an area where visitors can discuss films they own with an expert and learn more about their local archives. There will be the chance for families to get hands on with old cameras, film stock and technology and a moving image display with information on social history and the film industry. Visitors can also dress up and "appear" in an archive film using a green screen.

The tour has been organised by ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Learning's Hands on History team who also want families to continue their history experience online by visiting the .

The website has family activities to do at home along with ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Archive clips and suggestions for groups who want to put on their own reminiscence workshops.  There are also details on events and activities happening near you.

Nina Bell, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Learning Hands on History Campaign Executive, says: "The event is about connecting people with their past through film. For people of all ages, it's amazing to see footage from when they were little and to see how much has changed from past hardships to the simple pleasures of British life.  But it's also about sharing stories and memories as a family, ensuring that our history is handed down from generation to generation."

The tour accompanies the new ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Two series Reel History Of Britain (from Monday 5 September) In this 20-part series, Melvyn Bragg retells the fascinating stories of life in Britain from 1900 to 1970 through the archive collections of the British Film Institute and other National and Regional Film Archives.

Travelling across the UK, Melvyn meets the members of the public who appeared in the historic films featured in the series, and brings them face-to-face with their relatives with the help of a 1967 custom-built vintage mobile cinema.

Melvyn Bragg said: "At the turn of the last century one invention changed the way we recall our history forever – the motion camera. Thanks to Britain's pioneering film-makers, we can still glimpse a world long gone."

The tour is free to attend, suitable for all ages and there is no need to book in advance.

Notes to Editors

Reel History of Britain Experience dates and locations:
9 & 10 Sept – Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow
16 & 17 Sept – Riverhead Square, Grimsby
23 & 24 Sept – Catherdral Square, Peterborough
30 Sept & 1 Oct – Humberstone Gate, Leicester

What is Hands on History?
Hands on History is a two year history campaign from ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Learning which aims to get all the family hands on with history out and about and back at home. It supports a range of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ TV programmes and brings history to life through family activity packs, events and details of historic sites to visit across the UK and is suitable for all the family.

About ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Learning
³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Learning plays a central part in meeting the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's purpose of promoting education and learning. Utilising the power of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's big brands and key talent, the department puts learning right at the heart of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ and provides a variety of resources and learning opportunities for children, teachers, parents and adult learners. Working with partners and in local communities, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Learning aims to stimulate interests and encourage engagement through a variety of campaigns across all ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ genres and platforms.

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