HUGE crowds gathered at Castle Ward yesterday to learn if one of them might own a missing masterpiece
The Antiques Roadshow team was filming at the National Trust venue.
The television show brings together authorities on arts and antiques to offer free valuations on family heirlooms or car boot bargains.
Thousands waited in the sunshine to have their items valued, many bringing picnics and making a day of it.
Each event attracts around 4,000 people, who come along to find out about the priceless history of their items.
Yesterday, items included memorabilia from the Boer War and First World War as well as swords, medals and cars.
Two shows were filmed at Castle Ward. The first will be broadcast in the winter and the second next spring.
Presenter Fiona Bruce said so much of what was seen on the Antiques Roadshow was about the story of an object and its owner as much as about its value.
Yesterday was her fifth visit to Northern Ireland, having previously filmed at the RMS Titanic office in Belfast in 2008, Castle Coole in Co Fermanagh in 2011, Hillsborough in 2014 and at Stormont for 2017's fortieth anniversary programme.
"We are never short of people bringing along items that tell a hell of a story, which can be very exciting, poignant or funny, sometimes, all three. Or it can tell us something about ourselves," she said.
"Even after all these years people still have the most amazing things tucked away in their attics and garages and I can't wait to see what they pull out of their bags and trolleys in 2019."
