Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, has announced a partnership with Alexandra Palace that will see it illuminate the mast which broadcast the first ever regular high definition public television transmission in 1936.
This November 2nd marks the 80-year anniversary of the day the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) launched the world’s first high definition television service and the occasion will be marked with the illumination of the Alexandra Palace mast.
From 1936 until the early 1950s, Alexandra Palace became the major production centre for BBC Television, broadcasting landmark programming and coverage of historical events including the 1953 coronation. Converting former dining rooms and unused spaces to create two experimental TV studios, The BBC Studios became known globally as ‘the birthplace of television’.
Bryan Coombes, Director of Terrestrial Broadcast at Arqiva commented: “We feel incredibly privileged to be able to support the 80th anniversary celebrations at Alexandra Palace, and help deliver what will be an amazing public spectacle befitting of this historic location.
“When you look back on all the incredible things that the television industry has achieved – from the broadcasting of the coronation to the introduction of colour TV – it’s important to acknowledge just how much of the work that was done inside the Alexandra Palace studios all those years ago.
“With the mast standing at 65.5 metres high and continuing to provide TV and radio services to the surrounding area, there’s no doubt its illumination will be the perfect tribute.”
Louise Stewart, Chief Executive at Alexandra Park and Palace commented: “The BBC led the world with the development of television, and the first broadcasts made at Alexandra Palace exemplify a culmination of collaborative invention, pioneered by John Logie Baird, but ultimately carried forward by the Marconi-EMI system.
“It is fitting that we are able to work with Arqiva to the light the iconic mast as part of our celebration of this ground breaking moment in broadcasting history, in the very spaces in which the first opening night of television actually happened.”
Alongside the mast illumination, Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust (APPCT) is marking the anniversary by inviting the public to an evening of talks and comedy in the Palace Suite, with the critically acclaimed comedy troupe ‘Do Not Adjust Your Stage’ as the lead attraction.
Ticket proceeds will be going towards the restoration of the Alexandra Palace studios as a visitor centre and museum capturing the history of television broadcasting in the UK. The Trust has committed to raising £1 million to complete the project, and restore and open the historic studios to the public for the first time in 2018.
For more information about and ticket purchases for the 80th anniversary event, please visit: http://www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/
Further details on the Palace’s fundraising and restoration efforts can also be found here: http://support.alexandrapalace.com/east-wing-restoration/
(Source: Arqiva press release)