What a surprise to discover this video. I had the pleasure and privilege of producing this opening sequence in the hectic weeks before we launched Channel 4. The images all came from a very modest (at that time) collection of programmes in our library, and the music is Fourscore, which was orchestrated and arranged by Rick Wentworth, based on the original four note Channel Four theme composed by David Dundas. The sequence was edited at Wisemans at 8 Dean Street London, and the editor was Tim Waddell. The entire sequence was created both musically and visually so that it could be broken down into a variety of pre-set lengths (hence the occasional freezes in the images) so these sequences could be used as commercial break 'fillers' because at the time of launch, there were precious few commercials due to a dispute. Happy days, the best times, and a memorable part of my career in broadcasting. Thanks to my ex-BBC colleague Pam for believing in me and giving me a job, and to Jeremy, the most inspirational, and supportive Chief Executive I ever had the good fortune to know.

My beautiful dad designed the Editing Suite for Channel 4 and it is his finger that pressed the button to start it all.

40 years today. Happy birthday Channel 4

I remember rushing home from school to see this. I was eight years old. I'm middle aged now and it is a joy to see it again. Thank you

I was 9 at the time and to say that I was excited for the launch would be an understatement (even if most of the programmes flew over my head). I vividly remember our Channel 4 picture up here in Cumbria was just about watchable - & for us it was a 5th channel alongside BBC1, BBC2, Border & Granada (which we received via British Relay).

I watched this as a 10 year old and was probably the only one in my house interested in its launch.. I tuned a spare channel in,bought the tv times etc and now after 38 years have managed to obtain a 7” copy of ‘Fourscore’.Thankyou for sharing this

I never forget the date: Tuesday 2nd November 1982. This was BIG!! A 4th channel! Might seem funny with the endless channels we have now but this was revolutionary. When Channel 5 came along in 1997, it didn't have the same impact. By that time we already have satellite TV.

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I was 18 when Channel Four began. I left college early that day to make sure I was home in time for the launch. No one else in my family was bothered. I knew it would be a day to mark in British history. I like to think I was right. Well done to @tsimmons4026 for putting it together. You have created a lot of wonderful memories for a lot of people.

I once had two jobs, one of which was night work. They tired me and it was a dismal time. On a Sunday morning I would finish work for the week, when I would have a welcome break. I'd sleep for three of four hours so that I could go to bed at a normal time on Sunday night. I'd get up in the early afternoon when Channel Four came on, when they used to play the video that starts about 50 seconds in on this clip, the full version of their theme Fourscore with a compilation of highlights from forthcoming programmes and movies. The impression given to me was of the diversity of life and, at the time, I really needed to be reminded of it. When I saw this video every week I would invariably tear up. And after all these years, I find it still a very moving piece.

I remember the anticipation of the Nation ( a few months before the broadcast transmission of channel four television, it was one of PURE EXCITEMENT.

Good Afternoon! It’s a pleasure to be able to say to you , welcome to Channel 4 !

Hearing the classical piece on the test card the 4pm to 5pm hour, which was from the Carmen Suite, trying to work out which tape came on at 9am after a long period of tone, I think the first tape that came on that day was Almost Together.

Classic TV at its best. Channel 4 first TV show to broadcast was Countdown. My all time favourite channel 4 programme is Treasure Hunt which started in December 1982.

What a marvellous montage...great memories...I was 10 when Channel 4 launched lol Great bit of music from the same man that composed ITV Meridian's first set of Idents

Happy 40th Birthday Channel 4 (1982-2022).

The best channel launch ever. So many clips with that amazing Fourscore tune.

I recall the opening day of C4,when with five minutes to go to the start,the screen went blank,and we all thought that a power cut had occured,but no,it was exciting times when they began!

In actual fact with the live transmission there was about 90 seconds of 'dead air' that is a blank screen! I edited most of that gap out of my video, viewers would have thought there was nothing there if I had left it in. Thanks for your comments.

So many great programmes that came and went. Brookside, Football Italia, Channel 4 Racing, The Hoobs and more. The only show that's lasted is Countdown