WEDU PBS Announces Downton Abbey, Season 5 Premiere Advance Screening Road Trip

TAMPA, Fla. - Nov. 24, 2014 - PRLog -- Downton Abbey returns January 4, 2015 for an epic fifth season of intimately interlaced stories centered on an English country estate—a deliciously entertaining formula that has made it the highest-rated drama in PBS history.

For fans that just can’t wait, WEDU PBS announced a series of advanced premiere screenings and themed reception events. WEDU’s Downton Abbey road trip will make stops in Wesley Chapel, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Lakeland, and Sarasota.

“This is the third year that WEDU has hosted events ahead of the on-air premiere of Downton Abbey on Masterpiece. Many fans come out dressed in period attire and are in full character for the event. Everyone has a great time with all of other fans of the show,” stated Allison Hedrick, WEDU Vice President of Communications. “This year, we’re visiting 5 cities with themed receptions that will include food, drinks, themed entertainment, and reserved seating to the premiere screening.”

While the receptions will require a ticket purchase, with proceeds supporting programs like fan favorite Downton Abbey on WEDU, there will be a premiere screening that is free and open to the public. Details and tickets to all the events can be reserved online at: www.wedu.org/downtonabbey.

EVENT LISTING:

DECEMBER 8
Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel

8:00pm – 9:30pm          Free Premiere Screening (Doors open at 7:30pm)
         Honorary Host: Commissioner Camille Hernandez, Mayor of Dade City
         Guest Speaker: Dr. Dennis Feltwell, PHSC Humanities instructor will discuss 1920;s England as it relates to the world of Downton Abbey.

DECEMBER 9
The Palladium and Side Door Cabaret, St. Petersburg

6:00pm – 7:30pm          VIP Premiere Reception
         Tickets: $65.00 per person. Includes themed food, beer and wine from Amici’s Catering, 1920’s era cabaret performance by Paul Wilborn, Downton Abbey trivia, VIP reserved seating to the 8:00pm screening and more.*

8:00pm – 9:30pm          Free Premiere Screening (Doors open at 7:30pm)
         Open to the public, tickets required

DECEMBER 11
Tampa Theatre, Tampa

6:00pm – 7:30pm          VIP Premiere Reception
         Tickets: $65.00 per person. Includes themed food, beer and wine, themed entertainment, Downton Abbey trivia, VIP reserved seating to the 8:00pm screening and more.*

8:00pm – 9:30pm          Free Premiere Screening (Doors open at 7:30pm)
         Open to the public, tickets required

DECEMBER 12
Polk Theatre, Lakeland

6:00pm – 7:30pm          VIP Premiere Reception
         Tickets: $65.00 per person. Includes themed food, beer and wine, themed entertainment, Downton Abbey trivia, VIP reserved seating to the 8:00pm screening and more.*

8:00pm – 9:30pm          Free Premiere Screening (Doors open at 7:30pm)
         Open to the public, tickets required

DECEMBER 15
Sarasota Opera House, Sarasota

6:00pm – 7:30pm          VIP Premiere Reception
         Tickets: $65.00 per person. Includes themed food, beer and wine, themed entertainment, Downton Abbey trivia, VIP reserved seating to the 8:00pm screening and more.*

8:00pm – 9:30pm          Free Premiere Screening (Doors open at 7:30pm)
         Open to the public, tickets required

Downton Abbey Season 5 features returning stars Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Jim Carter, Laura Carmichael, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Robert James-Collier, Penelope Wilton, Phyllis Logan, Lily James, Brendan Coyle, Lesley Nicol, Sophie McShera, Samantha Bond, Ed Speleers, Kevin Doyle, Raquel Cassidy, David Robb, Tom Cullen, Julian Ovenden, Daisy Lewis, Douglas Reith, Jeremy Swift, and Andrew Scarborough.

This acclaimed ensemble is joined by guest stars Harriet Walter (Atonement), reprising her role as Lady Shackleton, and Peter Egan (Death at a Funeral), who returns as Lord Flintshire, together with completely new characters played by Richard E. Grant (Girls), Anna Chancellor (The Hour), and Rade Sherbedgia (24).

(*Additional themed entertainment, raffle and doors prize items to be determined and may vary per event location.)