Classical music fans, assemble! The world’s greatest classical music festival, The BBC Proms returns in 2025 for another spectacular eight-week festival, combining classical masterpieces, family-friendly events, and mind-blowing concerts. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this beloved British institution.
What are the BBC Proms?
Founded in 1895 by conductor Henry Woodthe Proms were designed to bring the best in classical music to the widest possible audience. Since 1927, the BBC has organised and broadcast the festival, which has grown into an eight-week celebration featuring almost 90 concerts and around 3,000 musicians performing in London and beyond.
When and where do the BBC Proms take place?
Dates
Friday 18 July – Saturday 13 September 2025.
Main venue
Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington (seating over 5,500).
Other venues
Bristol Beacon, Gateshead’s Glasshouse, The Fire Station (Sunderland), St George’s Hall (Bradford)
While the majority of concerts are in London, the Proms now include events in several cities across the UK.
Who to look forward to – BBC Proms 2025 schedule
The Traitors Prom, 26 July
Melodramatic chart tracks with a gothic twist, inspired by TV drama “The Traitors”. Host: Claudia Winkleman.
From Dark Till Dawn, 8 August
Late night choral and tavern-inspired performances with organist Anna Lapwood and Norwegian ensemble Barokksolisten.
The Planets and Star Wars, 9 August and Relaxed Planets Prom, 10 August
Blockbuster night: Holst’s celebrated suite paired with John Williams’ Star Wars score.
Anoushka Shankar: ‘Chapters,’ 12 August.
Sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar performs works from her three “Chapters” albums.
Shostakovich’s Fifth by Heart, 16-17 August
Nicholas Collon, Aurora Orchestra, and actors perform the symphony entirely from memory.
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, 21 August
With Sørensen’s Evening Land and Anna Clyne’s The Years.
St Vincent with Jules Buckley Orchestra, 3 September
Art rock meets symphonic arrangements.
Grieg’s Piano Concerto, 7 September
Pianist Lukas Sternath headlines this program of classical gems.
Family Proms, 10 August and 25 August
Relaxed Planets Prom (10 Aug).
CBeebies Prom – A Magical Bedtime Story (25 Aug, midday/afternoon).
Last Night of the Proms, 13 September
The grand finale features classics such as Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Mussorgsky’s A Night on the Bare Mountain, and Arne’s Rule, Britannia! Entry is via ballot, with a special ballot for those who have attended 5+ Proms in 2025.
How to buy tickets to the BBC Proms 2025
General sale tickets went live on 17 May 2025 via the Proms website.
Promming: Cheap Standing Tickets
Promming means attending in the standing areas (the gallery or arena). Some seats are reserved for those who cannot stand for the concert’s duration.
About 1,000 promming tickets per concert are released online at 10:30am on the day of the performance for £8 each (max two per person).
It’s also still possible to buy tickets in person at Door 12 of the Royal Albert Hall up to five minutes before the concert (subject to availability).
Handy tips when attending the BBC Proms 2025
Dress code
Come as you are – formal wear is not required.
Food & Drink
You can bring a picnic, but alcohol may be confiscated at entry.
For Families
Kids 5+ are welcome; those aged 7–18 receive half-price tickets (except for the last night).
Accessibility
Relaxed Proms and additional seated space for prommers unable to stand.
