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The BBC Proms, what's it all about?

The BBC Proms is a classical music festival held every summer at the Royal Albert Hall in London, and in recent years has explored an innovative series of Proms across the UK. Its aim: to bring the best in classical music to the widest possible audience, which remains true to founder-conductor Henry Wood’s original vision in 1895.

Whether you are a classical connoisseur or think classical music isn’t for you, there is something for everyone in the eight-week stretch of concerts.

When are the Proms?

The BBC Proms 2025 season runs from Friday 18 July to Saturday 13 September.

Where can I start?

Find concerts and events by category to guide you through the 2025 season.

You can also view our Season Guide to get you started.

When will tickets go on sale?

Most tickets go on general sale at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 17 May 2025.

Keep an eye on the BBC Proms website and social channels for announcements and see below for exact on sale dates:

Tickets for Season and Weekend Promming (standing) es at the Royal Albert Hall go on sale from 9am Thursday 15 May. (These es are not bookable in the Proms Planner)

Tickets for The Traitors (26 July), the Relaxed Prom (10 August), and CBeebies Proms at the Royal Albert Hall (25 August) go on sale from 9am on Friday 16 May. (These concerts are not bookable in the Proms Planner)

General booking for all BBC Proms concerts at the Royal Albert Hall opens from 9am on Saturday 17 May.

Tickets for all events at Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Fire Station Sunderland, Bristol Beacon and St. George's Bristol will go on sale on Thursday 24 April.

Tickets for St. George's Hall, Bradford go on sale on Thursday 1 May.

Tickets for Ulster Hall, Belfast go on sale on Friday 16 May.

Promming tickets are available from 9.30am on the day of each concert. See 'What is Promming?' for more details.

What is Promming?

The popular tradition of Promming (standing in the Arena or Gallery areas of the Royal Albert Hall) is central to the unique and informal atmosphere of the BBC Proms.

Day Promming tickets cost just £8.00 (including all fees) and are bookable from 9.30am on the day of each concert.

Please see our Promming page for more details.

Is there a dress code at the Proms?

Come as you are: there is no dress code at the Proms.

How can I watch and listen to the Proms?

Enjoy the Proms on BBC radio, TV, iPlayer and Sounds.

Every Prom is live on BBC Radio 3 and streamed on BBC Sounds and you can watch a selection of Proms on TV and iPlayer.

Can I screen the Proms?

Please refer to the BBC of Use.

Access at the Proms

Find out more

Why is it called the ‘Proms’?

‘Proms’ is short for Promenade concerts – informal and inexpensive concerts with an opportunity for Promenaders (‘Prommers’) to stand and listen.

When did the Proms begin?

Henry Wood, who conducted almost every concert for nearly half a century, lifted his baton for the first time on Saturday 10 August 1895. Even then, promenade concerts were not a new idea: they started in in the 1830s and were introduced to the UK shortly afterwards.

Whose idea was it?

The Proms was the brainchild of Robert Newman, whose ambition was to enable people to enjoy ‘serious music’. He was well known for organising and financing musical events. Sir Henry Wood, founder-conductor of the Proms, believed in making the best-quality classical music available to the widest possible audience and that ambition remains central to the BBC Proms today.

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