The Global Fancy Dress Tradition
From human traffic cones, Super Mario casts, and 1980s retro aerobics instructors to Santa Claus conventions and Roman gladiators, fancy dress at Alexandra Palace is globally famous. Over 70% of table spectators attend in costume, creating an iconic sea of color beamed to millions on international television.
Fun, Creative Group Themes
- Superheroes (Batman, Spiderman, Avengers)
- Iconic movie characters & retro pop icons
- Traffic cones, crayons & food item outfits
- Festive Christmas jumpers, elves & Santas
- Wigs, face paint, sequined jackets & hats
Security Violations
- Football Shirts / Club Merchandise
- Full-Face Covering Masks / Helmets
- Prop Weapons (Plastic swords, guns, axes)
- Political slogans or defamatory caricature
- Massive inflatables blocking aisle sightlines
Strictly Enforced Venue Costume Policies
1. Zero Tolerance on Football Club Attire
The PDC explicitly forbids football shirts, scarves, and club insignia from any football team across the globe (e.g., Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Celtic, Rangers, Bayern Munich, etc.). This rule is in place to preserve the unique neutral, friendly party spirit where rival fans drink together peacefully. If you wear a football shirt, you will be refused entry at Palm Court.
2. Face Visibility & Identity Check
Security personnel must be able to visually inspect your face at all times. Morphsuits must have the face portion unzipped/removed, and masks must be removed during security search and when purchasing alcohol at the bar.
3. Zero Weapons or Mock Weapons
Even obvious toy props—such as plastic shields, inflatable swords, wooden mallet props, or foam spears—are confiscated at the entrance gates and will not be returned. Plan your costume to look complete without requiring handheld prop weapons.
Iconic Alexandra Palace Fan Chants
Learn the anthems that reverberate through the Great Hall during every match session:
"Stand Up If You Love The Darts"
"Stand up, if you love the darts!
Stand up, if you love the darts!"
"Chase The Sun" (Planet Funk)
"Da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da... HEY! HEY! HEY!"
Played by the arena DJ at commercial breaks; 5,000 arms pumping in unison."There's Only One Phil Taylor"
"Walking along, singing a song, walking in a Taylor wonderland!"
Sung in homage to the 16-time world champion and sport's greatest pioneer."Kolo / Yaya Touré"
"Yaya, Yaya-Yaya... Kolo, Kolo-Kolo!"
A bouncing sing-along alternating between seated and standing spectators.Frequently Asked Questions About Fancy Dress
Can you wear football shirts to Alexandra Palace darts?
No. Football club jerseys, scarves, or club-affiliated badges (Premier League, European, or international clubs) are strictly banned by Alexandra Palace and PDC security. This policy is strictly enforced to prevent tribal hostility and maintain the friendly party atmosphere.
Are full face masks allowed at Ally Pally darts?
No. Full face masks, morph suits covering the face, or hard helmets are not permitted past security checkpoints because venue security must verify every spectator's age and identity.
Can you bring inflatable costumes to the darts?
Costumes must not exceed standard seating dimensions or obstruct the sightlines of spectators sitting behind you. Bulky inflatable costumes (such as giant inflatable dinosaurs) are frequently restricted or deflated by stewards inside the Great Hall.