Last Night of the Proms

The Last Night of the Proms is the grand finale of the annual eight-week summer season of daily orchestral classical music concerts known as the Proms or BBC Proms. This significant cultural event, which has been taking place in London since 1895, is organized and broadcast by the BBC. The Proms are held predominantly in the Royal Albert Hall, with additional events at Cadogan Hall and Proms in the Park events across the UK.

The term "Prom" is short for promenade concert, which originally referred to outdoor concerts in London's pleasure gardens where the audience was free to stroll around while the orchestra was playing. Today, Proms concert-goers, particularly those who stand, are sometimes referred to as "Prommers" or "Promenaders".

The Last Night of the Proms is particularly renowned for its celebratory atmosphere and the inclusion of traditional British music, such as Edward Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1" and Hubert Parry's "Jerusalem". The concert often features a more eclectic range of music in the first half, including contemporary pieces and newly commissioned works, while the second half is more festive and celebratory, with soloists sometimes wearing festive outfits.

The Last Night conductor is expected to give a speech on a subject of their choosing, often discussing the state of music education and the importance of music and the arts in culture. The Last Night is broadcast live on BBC One and Two, as well as on BBC iPlayer, allowing audiences around the world to enjoy this significant cultural event.