The Proms

The BBC Proms are an eight-week summer season of daily orchestral classical music concerts held annually in Central London, predominantly in the Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington. With over 100 events it is the biggest classical music festival in the world.

Related Topics:
Orchestra - Classical music - London - Royal Albert Hall - South Kensington

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"Proms" is short for "promenade concerts". The term arose from the original practice of audience members promenading, or strolling, in some areas of the concert hall during the concert. "Promming" now refers to the use of the standing areas inside the hall (the arena and gallery) for which ticket prices are much lower than for the reserved seating. Single concert promming tickets can be purchased, with few exceptions, only on the day of the concert, which can give rise to long queues for well-known artists or works. Prommers can purchase full or half season tickets instead for guaranteed entry, although not guaranteed standing position. A number of Prommers are particularly keen in their attendance, and see it as a badge of honour to achieve the "full house" of attending every concert of the season. The 1997 BBC documentary "Modern Times" covered this dedicated following.

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