Visit Isle of Wight, the Island’s destination management organisation is to launch a new £200,000 campaign entitled ‘Victoria’s Island’ – and today’s announcement coincides with costumes from the yet-to-be-released ‘Victoria & Abdul’ film going on display at Osborne House.
The new campaign, which will be launched on 15th August, has been created to attract new visitors to the Island from September 2017 onwards. The £200,000 investment made by Visit Isle of Wight and destination marketing partners includes £45,000 from the WightBID levy.
Substantial digital, radio, social media and advertising activities will be introduced to promote both the Island and the film, with posters in shopping centres and on railway platforms along South West Trains’ routes out of London. Over 20,000 copies of a guide to ‘Victoria’s Island’ will be published to highlight 12 locations with a significant Queen Victoria connection.
The latest tourism message is expected to be put in front of more than 20 million people between August and October this year. This impressive figure includes those using Red Funnel ferries with the erection of a ‘Welcome to Victoria’s Island’ archway at the company’s Southampton terminal.
Today’s news comes as costumes worn by Dame Judi Dench, Eddie Izzard and Ali Fazal in the forthcoming feature film ‘Victoria & Abdul’ go on show for the first time at Osborne, Queen Victoria’s Isle of Wight home.
A reception, attended by the likes of the Island’s MP Bob Seely, Councillor Wayne Whittle and tourism partners, launched the display this afternoon.
The English Heritage property where much of the film was shot is now presenting a stunning array of costumes worn by the principal characters.
Designed by the Oscar nominated costume designer Consolata Boyle, the costumes pay meticulous attention to historical detail even down to the Queen’s V&A monogrammed shoes. Formal and informal attire worn by Dame Judi can be seen including the black silk gown with gold front piece the Queen wears while waiting for Abdul’s return to Osborne after a long trip away.
English Heritage Curator at Osborne, Michael Hunter says:
“Osborne was Queen Victoria’s private family home which means visitors can step straight into Queen Victoria’s world when they get here.
“Victoria & Abdul is the first film to ever use the interiors of Osborne as a location and these costumes add an extra layer to the rich experience of a visit here. We can’t wait to see it in all its glory on the big screen; in particular the story of how an Indian man servant won the Queen’s respect and trust.”
The exhibition – which is set to run until the 30th September 2017 – is located in the Queen’s Indian inspired Durbar Room which itself features in the film, along with the newly renovated Lower Terrace, the Grand Corridor and the Queen’s sitting room.
Victoria & Abdul is released in cinemas in the UK on 15th September 2017.
