Alexandra Palace marks 90 years of public TV broadcasts
A season of events will celebrate the historic launch of the world's first regular high-definition television service.
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The central claim is attributed to named individuals and the Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust.
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Alexandra Palace is marking 90 years since it became the location for the commencement of regular public television broadcasts. Presenter Leslie Mitchell first addressed viewers from the venue on November 2, 1936, stating, "This is direct television from the studios at Alexandra Palace." This event signified the launch of the world's first regular public high-definition television service by the BBC.
A season of events
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The 'BBC TV 90 at Ally Pally' season will run from September to November. The programme includes performances, screenings, special events, and talks, drawing content from the Alexandra Palace Television Society archive. Visitors can explore new public displays in the East Court and view the palace's television transmitter mast illuminated.
Discussions during the season will address themes such as Black representation in broadcasting, children's television, education, LGBTQIA+ programming, and the contributions of women pioneers. These talks will involve academics, broadcasters, historians, and industry professionals to examine television's continuing impact. Emma Dagnes OBE, chief executive of the Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust, stated that the celebrations honour the "pioneering spirit" and aim to showcase the "remarkable people, ideas and creativity that put Alexandra Palace at the heart of one of the greatest innovations of the 20th century."
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The season of events will conclude on November 2, 2026, with the unveiling of a World Origin Site plaque in the East Court. This date marks exactly 90 years since the BBC began its regular high-definition broadcasts from Alexandra Palace. Kirsten Forrest, curatorial and interpretation manager at Alexandra Palace, said that the initiative aims to "inspire curiosity, spark conversations about the remarkable role that Alexandra Palace played in shaping small screen culture."
Questions this report answers
+When did Alexandra Palace begin broadcasting television?
Alexandra Palace began broadcasting television on November 2, 1936. On this date, presenter Leslie Mitchell welcomed viewers, marking the launch of the world's first regular public high-definition television service by the BBC.
+What events are planned to celebrate the anniversary?
A season of events called 'BBC TV 90 at Ally Pally' will run from September to November 2026. It includes performances, screenings, special events, talks on various broadcasting themes, new public displays, and illuminated illuminations of the television mast.
+When will the 90th-anniversary celebrations conclude?
The celebrations will conclude on November 2, 2026, with the unveiling of a World Origin Site plaque in the East Court of Alexandra Palace. This date is precisely 90 years after the BBC commenced its regular high-definition broadcasts from the site.
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