100 Years of Television: In the Steps of Pioneer John Logie Baird

One of a series of free walks from the Westminster Guides supported by Inside Out to celebrate open-air arts and culture in Westminster!
About this Event

Discover the story of the key people and places that contributed to the development of the greatest mass media phenomenon of our time.

Please meet at Outernet (The Now Building) on Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 8LH. From Tottenham Court Road Tube take the Charing Cross Road exit. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start time. The tour will finish in Covent Garden, London WC2E 9ED close to the Covent Garden tube.

A century ago, this 2026, maverick inventor John Logie Baird conducted the first official, real live television demonstration in London's Soho. Racing against other global players, his persistence and ingenuity provided the focus and the drive to demonstrate the huge potential of 'seeing by wireless'.

To commemorate the centenary, journalist and Westminster guide Roberto Belo-Rovella invites you to a walk experience along Soho and Covent Garden, uncovering key places and characters that, before, during or after 1926 were protagonists of the development of TV. The route will go through some green spaces in the heart of Westminster, like Soho Square and St Paul’s Church Gardens in Covent Garden, that signify the amazing cultural melting pot of the area that contributed to this eventful story.

This is one of 25 "A Wander through Westminster" Walks offered by the City of Westminster Guides in conjunction with the Inside Out Programme that celebrates open-air art and culture in Westminster. Why not join in other Inside Out activities on offer: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure-libraries-and-community/arts-and-culture/experience-inside-out-westminsters-free-outdoor-arts-festival?

Some Practical Details:

Please dress for the weather, with light, breathable attire, a hat, sunglasses, fan, and sunscreen in the case of hot weather and an umbrella and rainwear should the weather be inclement. Wear sensible shoes or sandals and carry a bottle of water with you.

All walks are led by trained City of Westminster Guides who love to share their knowledge of the borough with residents and visitors. Please respect their time and efforts by cancelling your place should you not be able to attend to allow someone else to join.