Emma Dagnes, Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust CEO, has been awarded an OBE in recognition of her services to heritage, in the King’s birthday honours list announced today. Over the past fourteen years Emma, alongside the staff, volunteers, stakeholders and Trustees, has worked tirelessly to elevate the “People’s Palace” to its status as an iconic cultural destination. “Ally Pally”, as it is affectionately known, is the embodiment of living heritage, welcoming millions of people a year who come to enjoy, experience and explore all that the Palace and Park have to offer through its wellbeing, cultural and creative learning programmes.

Having recently concluded celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the Grade II listed Palace and award-winning 196-acre Park, Emma is now spearheading the charity’s ambitious new vision for the future: to become a sustainable home for inspirational culture, world-class entertainment, unique heritage, life-affirming creative and learning opportunities and restorative green space.

Cllr Emine Ibrahim, Chair of the Trustees of Alexandra Park & Palace Charitable Trust said: ‘On behalf of the Trustees and myself I am delighted to see Emma recognised with an OBE. Since starting at Alexandra Park and Palace fourteen years ago, Emma has brought energy, imagination and dedication to all that she has undertaken. From leading on the major restoration of our lost Victorian Theatre to growing our entertainment, wellbeing and creative learning programme, reaching new audiences and beneficiaries. Through her leadership the charity has gone from strength to strength. Emma embodies the Ally Pally spirit, and the Trustees look forward to working with her and her team as we move into the next chapter with our new Vision to be “A Sustainable Home For All That We Do”.

Emma Dagnes OBE, CEO of Alexandra Park & Palace Charitable Trust said: ‘I am truly honoured to have received this award. Heritage is much more than just physical structures. It is about the people and the stories that inhabit these spaces and the inspiration and sense of community that they bring to people’s lives. Ally Pally is one of the nation’s great success stories in this respect. That is thanks to a huge number of people who have worked, campaigned, volunteered and fundraised to ensure the survival and success of the “People’s Palace” over its 150 years. I am proud to be one of their number and privileged to continue to serve as we move forward with an exciting and bold new Vision and resolve to safeguard Ally Pally for now and forever.’

Alexandra Palace, affectionately known as “Ally Pally”, was opened in 1873, having been designed as the ‘People’s Palace’, with the intended purpose to provide entertainment and recreation for the masses. Governed by an Act of Parliament, today the Park and Palace are run by a charity – the Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust – which continues in its purpose of “Enriching lives, through great experiences, forever” by hosting an eclectic programme of entertainment, and creative learning activities, as well as welcoming thousands to our international sized ice rink and continuing to care for and restore the listed Palace and 196 acres of award-winning parkland. The Park and Palace deliver an economic impact of £94 million per year into the economy and is a significant employer in the creative and cultural industries.
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Emma’s award comes as Ally Pally prepares for its biggest ever season of outdoor summer events including its own Kaleidoscope Festival on the 13th July, a unique opportunity to enjoy music, comedy and performance with a backdrop that takes in sweeping views across London, acres of parkland to explore, plus access to some of the hidden corners of the iconic Alexandra Palace, for fans, families and fun-seekers.