The Ultimate Guide to BBC Proms

Do you consider yourself a seasoned concert-goer? Or maybe you’re new to the world of classical music? Either way, the biggest musical event of the summer is just around the corner and it’s a top tier highlight of the British cultural calendar.

Read on to discover everything from its history, how to get tickets, what types of concerts you can expect and the excitement of the grand finale, the Last Night of the Proms…

What is BBC Proms?

Marrying the very best in classical and orchestral music, the BBC Proms, short for Promenade Concerts, is an annual summer festival held primarily at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Established in 1895 by Robert Newman and conductor Sir Henry Wood (he conducted nearly every Proms concert for almost fifty years), the Proms aim to democratise classical music by offering a wide range of concerts including symphonic, choral and chamber performances at accessible prices, culminating in the iconic Last Night of the Proms, a festive event celebrated with patriotic music, communal singing and a sense of national pride.

While the Royal Albert Hall may be the main host, there will be another 17 Proms taking place across the country including at Bristol Beacon, the Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead, The Riverfront in Newport, Nottingham Trent University Music Centre and Cowdray Hall in Aberdeen.

What Makes BBC Proms So Popular?

A cornerstone of British cultural life, the BBC Proms are so popular because they make classical music fun and accessible for everyone, with a whole host of rules and traditions highlighting this commitment to accessibility. Think affordable ticket prices to the tradition of ‘promming’, which allows attendees to buy standing tickets on the day of each concert, not only does the relaxed and friendly vibe encourage people to enjoy the music without any stuffy formalities, but the BBC also broadcasts the concerts, meaning fans can tune in from anywhere.

What Do We Have to Look Forward to This Summer?

Perhaps the most ambitious event to date, this year’s BBC Proms will host a total of 90 concerts from everyone from international names and world-renowned orchestras, with a key focus on singing. Case in point? The BBC’s professional chamber choir will be celebrating its centenary, while Garsington Opera will be making its Proms debut with a semi-staged production of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. There will also be a Proms Choral Day at the end of the summer, including a performance of Handel’s Messiah and the UK debut of dynamic American ensemble, the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers.
Oh, and did we mention Sam Smith? The award-winning artist will also be making their BBC Proms debut at the Royal Albert Hall, which will be their only live UK appearance of the year.

As to be expected, a number of international orchestras will also be putting in a show, including the Berliner Philharmoniker under Kirill Petrenko, while Klaus Mäkelä will conduct the illustrious Orchestre de Paris and Sir Simon Rattle will head up Bruckner’s Fourth and Mahler’s Sixth symphonies with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, to name a few.

Check out the full schedule of listings here.

Who Does it Attract?

Expect a wonderfully diverse crowd of music lovers from all walks of life, with everyone from seasoned classical music aficionados to curious first-timers just looking for a great night out.

The Proms' mix of concerts, from big orchestral works to contemporary pieces, means there's something for everyone, and it’s a great event for families too for those looking to introduce the kids (or grandkids) to a little culture. This year Doctor Who will be making a much-anticipated return with a brand-new show celebrating the Doctor’s latest adventures.

How Can I Get Tickets for BBC Proms?

This year’s event has already seen a record number of ticket sales, so if you want to bag a seat then you need to be quick. Unfortunately, the most popular shows have already sold out all their seated tickets (this includes First Night of the Proms conducted by Elim Chan (19 July), Everybody Dance! The Sound of Disco (20 July), Sir Mark Elder conducts Mahler’s Fifth (21 July), Verdi’s Requiem (23 July) Anne-Sophie Mutter performs Brahms with the West–Eastern Divan (11 August) and Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony (12 August)), but up to 1,000 promming tickets are released at 10.30am on the day of the shows, priced at just £8.

Due to the immense popularity of the Last Night of the Proms, special ticketing rules are in place for the final show, with each person able to buy up to two tickets in the general sale, through the Open Ballot, the Five-Concert Ballot, or by getting a Whole Season Pass.

For the most dedicated Prommers, there are a limited number of £8 tickets for the Last Night reserved for those who have attended five or more concerts in the Promming areas, and these fans can buy one ticket each by presenting their used e-tickets at the Royal Albert Hall's Box Office at Door 12. Tickets will be available starting at 9am on Tuesday July 18, Monday August 26, and Monday September 9.

Every Prom will also be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds, and many will also be available to watch on BBC TV and iPlayer.

Photographs: Paul Hudson