The film revisits his career and troubled personal life and tells the story of the fans that travel to Belfast
A new documentary film is set to meet George Best fans visitng his home in Belfast.
‘True North: Staying At Georgie Best’s’ takes a look at the ongoing global fandom surrounding football legend George Best, as told by the fans who make the pilgrimage to visit his childhood home.
It airs on BBC One Northern Ireland and iPlayer on Monday, February 16 at 10.40pm.
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His family home at Burren Way on the Cregagh Estate in East Belfast has been restored to a style that captures the 1960s, when George was at the height of his fame.
Open for tours and overnight stays, it has become both a shrine and a sanctuary for football supporters from around the globe.
A description of the show reads: “True North: Staying at Georgie Best’s captures the stories of those who travel from all over the globe to visit the house and walk in the footsteps of their hero.
“For John from Manchester, who visits with his wife Christine, George Best was a boyhood hero. His visit to Belfast is a poignant one, which culminates in an emotional moment at George’s graveside.
“Andrew, a self-proclaimed George Best superfan organises an annual ceremony at the footballer’s grave on George’s birthday and retraces the star’s early steps by visiting Nettlefield Primary School where George’s story began.
“Manchester United fans Matt and Steve not only watched George Best play but had the rare opportunity to meet him in later years to reflect on the impact George had on the club.”
With archive photographs and video footage of George’s playing career and of his time in the house, the film revisits his career and troubled personal life and tells the story of the fans that travel to Belfast.
Whether they’re superfans, collectors, or casual admirers, what unites them is a shared affection for a player who transcended sport and inspired millions.
True North: Staying At Georgie Best’s is on Monday 16 February on BBC One NI and BBC iPlayer at 10.40pm. It was made by Ronin Films for BBC Northern Ireland.
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