One of the biggest audiences ever is expected at the filming of a popular BBC show in South Derbyshire.
Bargain Hunt, which launched 17 years ago in 2000, will be at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall on Thursday, July 20.
This is the first day of Hansons’ July five-day Antiques and Collectable Auction so it is hoped that the saleroom will be busy and packed with treasures as the blue and red teams gather to see their items go under the hammer.
Business owner Charles Hanson said: “We are expecting our biggest audience ever for Bargain Hunt here. I understand two or three coachloads of people are coming to our saleroom in Etwall.
“We regularly welcome BBC’s Bargain Hunt at Hansons and, of course, I take part in the programme, either on the rostrum, as I will be this time, or as a presenter helping the teams find items to go under the hammer.
“It’s always a great atmosphere as the cameras, lights and crew come into the saleroom. It’s a fascinating opportunity for Derbyshire people to see a TV programme being made – and enjoy the wonderful world of antiques.”
Bosses said that Bargain Hunt has proved a sure-fire winner for the Beeb. Last summer, a repeat aired at 12.15pm famously got more viewers - 1.7 million - than an episode of cult TV series Peaky Blinders, which drew 1.5 million viewers in a 9pm slot.
On the box
In the programme two teams, the blues and the reds, are pitted against each other. They are given a budget of £300 each to seek out antique fair gems, with the help of an antiques expert, in a bid to make a profit at auction.
In the episodes being filmed at Hansons, the teams taking part bought their items at Kedleston Hall Antiques in the Park, near Derby, on June 24 and 25.
The Bargain Hunt presenting team coming to Etwall will include Natasha Raskin, John Cameron and Tim Weeks with Derbyshire’s own auctioneer Charles Hanson taking the bids.
He said: “This is going to be another exciting day at Hansons and I hope many more people will discover the theatre, drama and romance of the auction house.”
Hansons’ Antiques and Collectibles sale runs from July 20 to 22 and July 24 to 25 with bidding starting at 10am each day. More information is available by calling 01283 733988 or emailing service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk .
