Going to a Prom FAQs

Information about how to 'Prom' at the Royal Albert and Cadogan Halls

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.

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.

Up to 1,400 standing places are available for each Proms concert at the Royal Albert Hall. The traditionally low prices allow you to enjoy world-class performances for just £5.00 each (or even less with a Season Ticket or Weekend Promming Pass). There are two standing areas: the Arena, located directly in front of the stage, and the Gallery, running round the top of the Hall. All spaces are unreserved.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

To avoid disappointment we always recommend booking in advance, as seats for a number of Proms sell out before their performance date. However, even for sold-out concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, Promming places are available on the door for only £5.00 each. These tickets are not bookable in advance, so you always have a good chance of getting in. You can buy seated tickets online, by telephone and in person from Saturday 12 May. Go to the BBC Proms booking pages for more details.

Day Promming

Over 500 Arena and Gallery tickets (priced £5.00) are available for every Prom. These tickets are available on the day and cannot be booked in advance, so even if all seats have been sold, you always have a good chance of getting in (although early queuing is advisable for the more popular concerts). You must buy your ticket in person and must pay by cash.

A limited number of Arena tickets will usually be sold to the Day Queue from two and a half hours before each performance. For Arena tickets join the queue on the west side of the South Steps. The remaining Day Promming tickets will then be sold from Door 11 for the Arena and Door 10 for the Gallery (queue along Bremmer Road) from 45 minutes before the performance. Tickets for Late Night Proms are available only on the doors, from 30 minutes before the performance. Arena and Gallery tickets are available only at Door 11 and Door 10, not at the Box Office.

If you are in doubt about where to go, Royal Albert Hall stewards will point you in the right direction.

Season Promming Tickets

Frequent Prommers can save money by purchasing a Season Ticket covering the whole Proms season (including the Last Night), or an Opening Weekend or Weekly Promming Pass. These allow access to either the Arena or Gallery.

Season Ticket- and Promming Pass-holders benefit from:

• guaranteed entrance (until 20 minutes before each concert)
• great savings – prices can work out at £2.60 per concert

Season Ticket-holders also benefit from guaranteed entrance to the Last Night (until 20 minutes before the concert). 

Important information: Season Ticket- and Promming Pass-holders arriving at the Hall less than 20 minutes before a concert are not guaranteed entry and should join the back of the Day Queue.

Season Ticket holders for the Arena should queue on the South Steps, East Side. Season ticket holders for the Gallery, queue outside Door 2.

Season Tickets are non-transferable and two passport-sized photographs must
be provided before tickets can be issued. Season Tickets are not valid for concerts at Cadogan Hall.

Season Tickets and Promming Passes are not valid for concerts at Cadogan Hall.

Weekend Promming Passes

For more information see Special Offers

Wheelchair users

Wheelchair users who wish to Prom at the Royal Albert Hall (Gallery only) should queue in the same way but will be redirected to Door 8 once their ticket is purchased. For further information for disabled concert-goers, visit the Royal Albert Hall website. If you are in doubt about where to go, Royal Albert Hall stewards will point you in the right direction.

Promming at Cadogan Hall

On the day of the concert, tickets can be bought at Cadogan Hall only, from 10.00am.
At least 150 Day Seats (Side Gallery bench seats) are available from 10.00am on the day of the concert. They must be purchased in person, with cash only, and are limited to two tickets per transaction.

For information about Cadogan Hall Day Seats and the Proms Chamber Music Series Pass please visit our Cadogan Hall page.

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. Please see Last Night Booking for information on buying advance seats, and more details on Promming at the Last Night of the Proms.

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 18 are positively encouraged.

Visit our Family Events section for details of the wealth of activities on offer to families at the Proms.

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, priced £10.00 each, are available from 6.00pm (or two hours before weekend matinee concerts) in the Imperial College car park. Entrances are located on Prince Consort Road (open daily until 7.00pm) and Exhibition Road. Vouchers are only valid until 45 minutes after the end of the concert. These can be booked online, by phone or in person at the Royal Albert Hall from 9.00am on Saturday 11 May, and planned online via the Proms Planner from 2.00pm on Thursday 18 April. Please note that, if attending both early-evening and late‑night concerts on the same day, only one parking fee is payable. Limited off-street/metered parking is also available in nearby streets.

Any other questions?

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