Volunteers play a crucial role in the work of the charity. Here, Shirley Beharry talks about a few of her experiences. If you are feeling inspired and want to get involved, drop the team an email.

Alexandra Palace has always been a special place to me and my family. For years we have visited the Palace and supported many of its events and activities.  I was overjoyed when I learned that the theatre would be re-opened after 80 years of closure.

When the opportunity came up to volunteer at Alexandra Palace, I was very delighted and immediately signed up.

My volunteering duties include tour guiding/stewarding for Heritage park walks, the theatre and basement tours. I have been involved in many activities such as, The Great Fete, BBC Family Proms and the Biblio-buzz Alexandra Palace Children’s Book Awards for Haringey schoolchildren aged 9 to 12. I have also been involved in fund raising and raising awareness of the newly opened theatre.

My most notable volunteering roles included being a graffiti artist and a gospel singer!

I was also very fortunate to be a volunteer at Alexandra Palace when the Guinness World Record was broken for the largest cream tea party in the world. It was a heart warming experience and I was exceptionally proud to be involved.

Through volunteering at Alexandra Palace, I have been able to work with different age groups, such as the Wellness Café for elderly people, and other community groups in the arts, music and drama, such as Haringey Shed and the Haringey LGBTQ+ community.

Now that the theatre is up and running I am fully involved in the front of house duties which again I am very passionate about and truly enjoying.

Having being a regular volunteer for many organisations over the past 25 years I can say without any doubt that volunteering at Alexandra Palace has been a truly rewarding experience. I definitely would recommend volunteering at the Palace no matter what age you are or what background  you are from, you are guaranteed an enjoyable  and rewarding  experience!