An Evening at the Proms

It's become a bit of an annual tradition to go 'promming' during the Summer Holidays. The BBC Proms is a season of around 70 concerts that are held at The Royal Albert Hall during the Summer. For £5 on the day you can obtain a standing ticket for the arena, which is known as 'promming'. This is because the concerts used to be held outside and were called Promenade Concerts as the audience could stroll around the area whilst the music was playing. Nowadays there's less strolling and more sit-down-stand-upping, as people start to lose the feeling in their legs. Even if you're not a classical music enthusiast or expert (I am certainly neither) it is still an wonderful experience. There's something about listening to a live orchestra that makes me feel infinite. Plus, watching the soloists is completely mindblowing! My two favourite pieces were Debussy's- La Mer and Ravel's Daphnis e Chloe - Suite No. 2 - I found them so uplifting!

It's also a great place to people watch, because the mix of people standing in the arena is completely random. You'll find yourself standing shoulder to shoulder with students, businessmen and businesswomen, families with small children, families with big children, old men, reviewers with notepads and tourists. The Proms also exude a real edifying britishness that makes me feel proud of my heritage. Also, strolling around South Kensington in the Summer evening glow is pretty magic too.

One year, I'd like to buy a season ticket and stand in the arena every night, but that will have to wait until I'm slightly richer and actually live in London. Have you ever been to the Proms? What do you like about it?