The mast at Alexandra Palace is to be lit tonight as part of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the launch of first ever regular public service transmission.
On November 2, 1936 the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) launched what was then described as the first high-definition television service, even though the technology relied on just 180 lines.
The illumination of the Alexandra Palace mast comes as a result of a partnership between Alexandra Palace and the transmission company Arqiva.
Bryan Coombes, Director of Terrestrial Broadcast at Arqiva commented: “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.
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.
