What are the BBC Proms?

The BBC Proms is an orchestral music festival that lasts eight weeks. Founded in 1895 by Henry Wood, the series of concerts brings classical music to new audiences, blending tradition with more modern takes – it’s a very exciting and captivating event! It all happens in the Royal Albert Hall, showcasing music from renowned composers performed by some of the world’s leading conductors and musicians.

One of the great things about the BBC Proms is that it appeals to all music lovers. The festival often includes themed concerts, and has previously featured performances by artists like Florence and the Machine, Jordan Rakei, and Sam Smith. 

You’ll hear works by renowned composers such as Gershwin, Elgar, Chopin, Beethoven, Brahms, and Mozart, to name a few, performed by orchestras from all around the world. Plus, you’ll also hear some film and TV scores! Previous years have featured sci-fi soundtracks from Star Wars, Doctor Who, Harry Potter, and many more.

Over the eight weeks, music workshops and other events are also offered, providing aspiring musicians with a more hands-on Proms experience.  

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Why is the Last Night at the Proms so special? 

The Last Night of the Proms is the biggest evening of the entire event. It’s the final gathering and one of the most sought-after tickets for Proms fans. Everyone wears their best eccentric outfits and just has fun! 

In true Proms fashion, the evening includes several traditions and rituals. These typically involve a speech by the conductor and the placing of a laurel chaplet on the bust of Henry Wood. 

The first half usually features compositions written specially for the occasion, while the second half includes a traditional set of pieces performed annually. These often include the National Anthem, Jerusalem, Fantasia on British Sea Songs (with enthusiastic audience participation), and Land of Hope and Glory. 

What makes the Last Night so special is how celebratory the atmosphere is. The audience fully embraces the spirit of the evening, coming together to enjoy and express themselves through music. 

When are the Proms? 

The 2025 BBC Proms runs from 18th July to 13th September. 

Our BBC Proms 2025 guide 

If you’re looking for something to ease you into the Proms season, we recommend checking out Samara Joy. In the event’s first week, Joy is set to perform The Great American Songbook and Beyond. Having released her debut album in 2021, and already having won three Grammys, her set promises to be a highlight for jazz fans.

Another artist worth seeing is trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf, who plays a unique four-valve trumpet, the Courtois T.O.M.A trumpet. Having performed on platforms such as BBC Radio 6 Music and KEXP, his appearance at the Royal Albert Hall is set to be a standout moment of the season. 

You should also look out for the Vivaldi and Bach concert. This performance features French violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte and Le Consort, a must-see if you’re into Baroque music. 

For pop fans, singer Jade will be performing in Gateshead with the Royal Northern Sinfonia. Another exciting collaboration worth catching is St. Vincent with Jules Buckley and his orchestra. Sci-fi fans are also well catered for this year, with The Planets and Star Wars set to be performed by the National Youth Orchestra, conducted by Dalia Stasevska. 

And of course, rounding off our recommendations is the Last Night of the Proms. As ever, it will feature beloved musical selections, traditions, lively audience participation and a brilliant atmosphere.

The best way to plan your Proms season is by using the BBC’s event list to map out which performances you’d like to see. That way, you can decide which tickets to buy or which events you want to catch coverage of. 

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What is Promming? 

Promming refers to the tradition of queuing for cheaper tickets to the BBC Proms on the day of the performance. For every Prom, a set allocation of tickets (often standing places) is held back for on-the-day purchase, typically priced from as little as £8 (including fees). 

This makes the festival more accessible to a wider range of people, allowing them to enjoy top-quality performances by their favourite musicians, all at an affordable price. Promming is a long-standing tradition that dates back to 1895.

FAQs 

Why are the BBC Proms called Proms? 

The BBC Proms are called Proms because they originated as “Promenade Concerts,” where audiences could walk about while listening to music. This informal style began in 1895, aiming to make classical music more accessible. 

How to get tickets to the BBC Proms 2025? 

To get tickets to the BBC Proms 2025, visit the Royal Albert Hall website. Day Promming tickets, priced at £8 (including fees), are available daily. It’s worth checking the site as some queues for promming tickets open at different times. Season and weekend passes offer additional options for frequent attendees. 

Can you wear shorts to the BBC Proms? 

You can wear shorts to the BBC Proms since there is no formal dress code. However, attendees often opt for smart casual attire, with a focus on comfort due to potential standing and queuing. For special events like the Last Night, some choose to dress more formally or in themed outfits. 

Final thoughts 

The BBC Proms are an exciting event for music lovers and casual listeners alike, often seen as a symbol of the height of summer. They offer the chance to experience some of the world’s finest musicians in one place, while remaining accessible and affordable. We hope we’ve answered any questions you may have had about the event!