Picture: The first presenters of Blue Peter - Christopher Trace and Leila Williams.
February 1st 2018 marked the 5000th edition of Blue Peter, the ever-popular BBC children's magazine programme that celebrated its 60th birthday in October of the same year.
Blue Peter is the world’s longest running children's television show, and kicked off a year of celebration. A special edition of the programme launched a new Diamond Badge, designed by international fashion designer Henry Holland.
The programme was created by John Hunter Blair and first presented by Leila Williams and Christopher Trace. Initially it was just 15 minutes long and scheduled to run for only 6 weeks. It became the programme we recognise today following the appointment of Biddy Baxter in 1962, since which time it has been a cornerstone of BBC children's output.
Presenters have been asked to undertake a wide range of inspiring adventures over the years, from John Noakes riding a toboggan down the Cresta Run, to Helen Skelton walking a high-wire between the chimneys of Battersea Power Station. But they often perform less hazardous tasks in the studio, such as the celebrated "makes" - cookery and craft projects made with household objects such as "chocolate bean tubes" and "detergent bottles".
The show has always had a strong connection with viewers, not only rewarding participants in the programme with the coveted Blue Peter badge, but getting them involved in the annual charity appeal. In 2013 the involvement was taken a step further as viewers were asked to vote for a new presenter, eventually choosing Lindsey Russell, the 36th presenter on the programme.
February anniversaries
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Blue Peter 5000th edition
1 February 2018 -
Face to Face
4 February 1959 -
First TV Sports commentary
4 February 1937 -
The Wombles
5 February 1973 -
A Night of Comic Relief
5 February 1988 -
Greenwich Time Signal - the 'pips'
5 February 1924 -
Grange Hill
8 February 1978 -
BBC Three is launched
9 February 2003 -
Doomwatch
9 February 1970 -
Bagpuss
12 February 1974 -
The EBU - European Broadcasting Union formed
12 February 1950 -
Potter's Wheel Interlude
16 February 1953 -
Start of Six-Five Special
16 February 1957 -
The Apprentice
16 February 2005 -
Hospital Watch
17 February 1986 -
Elizabeth R
17 February 1971 -
One Man and His Dog
17 February 1976 -
Antiques Roadshow
18 February 1979 -
Tonight launched
18 February 1957 -
Wogan
18 February 1985 -
EastEnders first episode
19 February 1985 -
Open All Hours
20 February 1976 -
First national broadcast of prices for farmers
20 February 1925 -
General Election results televised for the first time
23 February 1950 -
Civilisation
23 February 1969 -
Yes Minister
25 February 1980 -
Mr Benn
25 February 1971