Going to a Prom FAQ's

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• WHAT IS A PROM?
• WHAT IS PROMMING?
• WHERE AND WHEN DOES THE BBC PROMS TAKE PLACE?
• DO I NEED TO BOOK TICKETS IN ADVANCE?
• HOW CAN I GET TICKETS FOR THE LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS?
• CAN I BRING CHILDREN TO THE PROMS?
• IS THERE A DRESS CODE AT THE PROMS?
• ARE THERE ANY ARRANGEMENTS FOR CAR PARKING?
• ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

Need to know about getting to the venue, how to buy a Promming ticket for a sold-out concert or whether it's OK to bring the kids? Find the answers to these questions and more below.

What is a Prom?

A Prom means a Promenade Concert, or a concert where part of the audience stands in a "promenade" area of the hall.

The BBC Proms is an annual music festival running from mid-July to mid-September and comprising over seventy Prom concerts.

FIND OUT ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE PROMS

What is Promming?

Part of the Proms audience has always stood in the Arena, directly in front of the orchestra, and many consider this the best position in the hall. However, you can also stand high up in the Gallery and just let the sound drift up to you.

Today there are still over 1,000 standing places available at each Prom. The traditionally low prices allow you to enjoy world-class concerts for just £5!

Day Promming tickets cannot be booked in advance, so even if all seats have been sold, you always have a good chance of getting in. Early queuing is advisable for the more popular concerts, however.

Where and when does the BBC Proms take place?

The BBC Proms takes place at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The 2008 season will run from 18 July until 13 September inclusive.

During the season, there is a least one Prom concert every evening, plus related talks, films and family events.

There is also a series of Proms Chamber Music concerts at nearby Cadogan Hall.

FIND OUT ABOUT PROMS VENUES

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

To avoid disappointment we always recommend booking in advance, as a number of Proms sell out before their performance date. However, even for sell-out concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, over 500 promming places are available on the door for only £5 each.

You can buy tickets online, by post, phone or in person from the end of April.

HOW TO BOOK TICKETS

How can I get tickets for the Last Night of the Proms?

Owing to the huge demand for Last Night tickets, special booking arrangements apply.

LAST NIGHT BOOKING INFORMATION

Can I bring children to the Proms?

In consideration of our audience and artists, children under the age of 5 are not allowed in the Royal Albert Hall auditorium. Children between 5 and 16 are positively encouraged.

Visit our Proms in the Park pages for details of events and discounts for under-16s.

PROMS IN THE PARK

Is there a dress code at the Proms?

Definitely not - just come as you are!

Are there any arrangements for car parking?

A limited number of parking spaces is available from 6.00pm in the Imperial College Car Park (Prince Consort Road entrance). These are bookable in advance from the Royal Albert Hall Box Office. Limited off-street/metered parking is also available in nearby streets.

Any other questions?

Send your comments and queries to: proms@bbc.co.uk

Ticket enquiries of a routine nature cannot be answered by e-mail to proms@bbc.co.uk. Please contact the Royal Albert Hall Box Office at promsbooking@royalalberthall.com or telephone 020 7589 8212.