What is the Last Night of the Proms?
The Last Night of the Proms is the final concert of the BBC Proms, an eight-week classical music festival held each summer at the Royal Albert Hall in London. It is famous for its patriotic songs and flag-waving audience.
The Proms, short for promenade concerts, began in 1895 to make classical music accessible to a wide audience. Concertgoers can stand in the arena and gallery for cheap tickets.
Henry Wood was the conductor of the early Proms, and his bust is placed on stage during each season. The BBC has organized the Proms since 1927.
The final concert
The Last Night features traditional pieces such as Rule, Britannia!, Land of Hope and Glory and Jerusalem. The audience sings along, waves flags and wears fancy dress.
The concert is broadcast on television and radio, and Proms in the Park events are held in Hyde Park and other parts of the UK.
The Last Night has sometimes been debated, with some people questioning the patriotic songs. However, it remains one of the most popular events in the British musical calendar. Each season includes around 70 to 90 concerts.