This was how the channel launched, a day late, in April 1964 until the introduction of colour programmes in 1967.
BBC 2 AFTERNOON STARTUP (21st APRIL 1964)
This was the channel’s afternoon startup from the 21st April 1964. You may wonder why the presenter has a candlestick? Well, that was because the launch of the channel on the previous evening had to be cut short due to a power failure in West London which cancelled the launch of BBC 2. In the end, the first programme on the new channel was Play School.
BBC 2 IDENT (21st APRIL 1964)
This was the first ident used on BBC 2 which was the only one to be broadcast in black and white. It would remain in use until 1967
BBC 2 CONTINUITY – THE AWFUL TRUTH (5th JANUARY 1966)
This continuity was for the film “The Awful Truth”
BBC 2 CLOSEDOWN (5th JANUARY 1966)
BBC 2 closes down for the night in 1966. Unlike its sister channel, BBC 1, it does not play the national anthem which was the norm at the time (including on ITV).
