Top Tips For Attending The Proms
Top Tips For Attending The Proms
Every Summer, the Royal Albert Hall is filled with beautiful music as the BBC Proms brings eight weeks of concerts to Central London. Attending The Proms is an experience like no other and one that every classical music lover should enjoy at some point. BBC host The Proms with the aim to bring the finest classical music to as many people as possible and pride the event on the affordable prices and informal atmosphere. BBC Proms 2018 is set to be another great year for the two month concerts, with highlights including the Swedish Chamber Orchestra and performances from West Side Story. The season kicks off on Thursday 12th July with the Proms Free Curtain Raiser, Five: Telegrams: Sender which will showcase the Royal Albert Hall in a way that has never been seen before. We’ve come up with our top tips for attending The Proms 2018 and making the most of the unique experience:
- Grab A Good Seat
There are a number of different seating options at The Proms, some which can be booked in advance online and others only available on the day in person. For seated tickets you can book them online and they start from £12 for unrestricted view circle seats. Standing tickets are split between the Arena by the stage and the Gallery around the top and are available on the day of the event for £6 each. For most events there are around 500 standing tickets sold on the door so be sure to arrive early to get a good spot. There is always a limited number of standing tickets available to book online on the morning of the concert, just in case you can’t make it the venue in time to get a ticket on the day.
- Be Ready To Queue
If you are planning on buying your tickets on the door, be prepared for a lengthy queue. Make sure you bring some water, snacks and an umbrella with you just in case. There is a numbering system in place so you can leave the line, and place numbers for the queue are handed out from 9am. Get your place number early and then return to the Royal Albert Hall later on to take up your pre-secured spot in line. Most events feature interesting pre-prom talks before the concerts take place, so if you want to learn more about the artists and their work, be sure to arrive early.
- Be Aware Of The Dress Code
The Proms started back in 1895 and back then was known as Promenading. It used to be a lavish and glamorous affair where everyone was dressed to the nines for their night of classical music. Today the dress code has relaxed a lot, and if you want to rock up to the event in jeans and a t-shirt then that is totally acceptable. Be warned that a lot of people still enjoy dressing up for the occasion, so expect to see some enchanting outfits.
- Immerse Yourself In Music
The Royal Albert Hall is a beautiful venue for the classical concerts, and depending on where you are watching from in the building will make a big difference to the sounds you hear. The acoustics are very different right next to the orchestra in the Arena than they are from the heights of the Gallery. During less busy concerts, you can even lie down and relax in the gallery to fully soak up the amazing sounds being created before you.
- Enjoy The Local Area
The Royal Albert Hall is located in South Kensington, one of the most wonderful areas of London. There are loads of things to see and do nearby, including Hyde Park and famous museums such as the Natural History Museum. Make a day of it and spend some time exploring the area and visiting some famous places. The Rembrandt is just a 10 minute walk from the Royal Albert Hall, and the newly refurbished Palette Restaurant makes for a great place for dinner or drinks before The Proms. The stunning restaurant has been beautifully modernised and serves a delicious menu of British and International dishes. Book your table online here.
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