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We associate certain events with summer, such as Reading and Leeds, Glastonbury, and, for classical music lovers, the BBC Proms.
But what are the BBC Proms? They’re the most highly anticipated event in the classical music calendar. You might even say they’re the orchestral equivalent of Glastonbury.
The Proms is an eight-week-long event packed with non-stop music, all leading up to the iconic “Last Night of the Proms”. And it’s not just for classical music enthusiasts. In fact, it’s one of the rare occasions where different genres blend with classical music, from pop, rock, film music, and more. In this article, we explore what this much-loved event is all about and what it has to offer.
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 2026 BBC Proms run from 17th July to 12th September.
Our BBC Proms 2026 guide
There’s plenty to enjoy at the Proms this year! If you’re looking for something dramatic and moving written by one of the greatest composers of all time, Rachmaninov’s “Paganini” Variations is one to catch on 3rd August.
If you’re a jazz fan, we recommend the Miles Davis Centenary on 20th August. The concert will be a mix of Davis’ works and his influences, such as pieces by Rodrigo and Gershwin, played by trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and conducted by Miho Hazama.
Another artist worth seeing is Weyes Blood, who accompanies the Jules Buckley orchestra. Weyes Blood is a folk-pop singer-songwriter with an almost otherworldly voice and wistful style — paired with Jules Buckley’s ensemble, who has collaborated with Laura Mvula, Florence + The Machine, and more, this is sure to be a magical evening! Catch it on 8th September.
Or maybe you’re looking for something for the kids? The CBBC sketch show Horrible Science comes to the Albert Hall on 25th July, with excerpts from Holst’s The Planets and John Williams’ Star Wars.
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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 2026?
To get tickets to the BBC Proms 2026, 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!
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