Alexandra Palace photos: World Darts Championship to Jon Bon Jovi - 150 years of Ally Pally
The famous north London venue has a party planned for May 27, as it celebrates 150 years.
One of London’s most-loved and recognisable venues, Ally Pally, has turned 150, having first opened its mighty doors on May 24 1873.
Situated in a particularly leafy north London spot between Muswell Hill and Wood Green, Ally Pally has played host to events from darts to gigs, and was even used by the BBC for a number of years as the home of its first regular public television service.
Having survived not one but two major fires, today it continues to be a regular spot for top acts and shows from across the world.
With a celebration planned for May 27, involving music, film screenings and craft beer, we take a brief look back at some key moments from the last 150 years of Ally Pally.
1. The first fire at Ally Pally, 1873.
A fire broke out at the new venue just 16 days after it opened. It was re-opened two years later, on May 1, 1875. Credit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images.
2. Russian-born US composer Irving Berlin being interviewed by Wynford Vaughan Thomas in 1946 for a BBC television programme.
In 1935, part of the palace was leased out to the BBC, who used it to produce and transmit their new television service. Credit: George Konig/Keystone Features/Getty Images.
3. The July 1980 fire at Ally Pally.
The venue’s second fire destroyed half of the building, with parts of the famous organ also suffering serious damage. It was eventually re-opened to the public in 1988. Credit: Ian Tyas/Keystone/Getty Images.
4. Miss World 2002, held at Ally Pally last-minute having originally been planned for Abuja, Nigeria.
Miss Turkey Azra Akin (c) after being crowned 2002 Miss World with runner-up Miss Columbia Natalia Peralta (l) and third-place Miss Peru Marina Mora Montero. The event was moved from Nigeria due to riots in the nearby city of Kaduna. Credit: Gerry Penny/AFP via Getty Images.