A series of events to mark 90 years since the BBC first began broadcasting television from Alexandra Palace will take place from next month.
The first broadcast from the London venue took place on 2nd November 1936, when presenter Leslie Mitchell told viewers, “This is direct television from the studios at Alexandra Palace”.
As well as playing host to the BBC’s studios, the venue housed offices, dressing rooms, scenery stores, and props and technical facilities, while the East Court housed a fleet of BBC broadcast vehicles.
BBC TV 90 at Ally Pally will run from September to November, featuring talks, screenings, performances and special events, drawing from the Alexandra Palace Television Society archive. Highlights include free public displays and new digital exhibitions. The Palace’s television transmitter mast will be illuminated throughout the anniversary celebrations.
On Monday 2nd November, a World Origin Site plaque will be unveiled in the Palace’s East Court, marking 90 years to the day since the first BBC broadcast.
Emma Dagnes OBE, chief executive of Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust, said, “Alexandra Palace has always been a place where innovation meets entertainment. 90 years ago, television changed forever, shaping the modern world as we know it today. BBC TV 90 at Ally Pally celebrates that pioneering spirit and we’re looking forward to sharing the remarkable people, ideas and creativity that put Alexandra Palace at the heart of one of the greatest innovations of the 20th century.”
Kirsten Forrest, curatorial and interpretation manager, added: “Through BBC TV 90 at Ally Pally, we’re inviting people to connect with one of the Palace’s most important histories in fresh and engaging ways. From delving into the archives to shed new light on television’s trailblazers, to talks, performances and digital exhibitions, we want to inspire curiosity, spark conversations about the remarkable role that Alexandra Palace played in shaping small screen culture as we know it. As custodians of this extraordinary building and parkland, creating opportunities for people to engage with our heritage is central to our vision for the future.”
Full event details are available here.
