It's a Knockout, the inter-town contest of skill and strength, began on 7 August 1966. The first series was between Lancashire and Yorkshire, with 8 towns competing for the Tip-Top-Town-Trophy. The signature tune - Bean Bag, played by Herb Alpert - set the tone for the games, which were played despite the British weather, and frequently featured water, grease, and silly costumes.
The format of the gameshow was adapted from the French series Intervilles, but also owed a debt to the BBC's earlier Top Town, created by It's a Knockout director Barney Colehan MBE. British winners of It's a Knockout joined Jeux Sans Frontieres, the European version, and the competing countries ensured the props and costumes became more elaborate.
It's a Knockout ran on the BBC until 1982, but returned in 1987 with the charity special Grand Knockout Tournament, featuring members of the Royal family and a host of celebrity contestants. In its heyday It's a Knockout showcased regional and international co-operation in an entertaining format.
August anniversaries
Family Favourites
1 August 1945
Sailor
5 August 1976
It's a Knockout
7 August 1966
First BBC Promenade Concert
13 August 1927
