Every summer, the BBC Proms transforms London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall into the home of the world’s largest classical music festival. Running from 17 July to 12 September 2026, this year’s programme features 72 concerts in London, alongside additional Proms taking place across the UK, celebrating everything from classical masterpieces to jazz, film music and progressive rock.
Whether you’re a lifelong classical music fan or considering your very first Prom, the 2026 season promises an exciting mix of tradition, innovation and unforgettable live performances.
What Are the BBC Proms?
Founded in 1895, the BBC Proms were created to make classical music accessible to everyone. More than 130 years later, they remain one of the UK’s most popular cultural events, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each summer.
The festival is best known for its affordable “Promming” tickets, allowing visitors to experience world-class performances from just £8 by standing in the arena or gallery of the Royal Albert Hall. Seated tickets are also available at a range of prices, making the Proms one of the most accessible major music festivals in the world.
Highlights of the BBC Proms 2026
This year’s Proms programme combines beloved orchestral classics with exciting premieres and themed concerts that appeal to a wide audience.
First Night of the Proms – 17 July
The season opens with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dalia Stasevska, alongside internationally acclaimed pianist Yunchan Lim. The opening concert features music by George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Maurice Ravel and Gerald Finzi, as well as the world premiere of a new work by French-British composer Josephine Stephenson.
A Proms First: Progressive Rock Takes Centre Stage
One of the biggest talking points of the 2026 season is the first-ever Prog Rock Prom, Prog Rock: A Fanfare for the Common Man, taking place on 18 July.
Presented by BBC Radio 6 Music’s Stuart Maconie, the concert celebrates the symphonic side of progressive rock with brand-new orchestral arrangements of music by Genesis, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Jethro Tull, Mike Oldfield, Renaissance and other influential bands. Special guests include Carl Palmer, Peter Hammill, Guy Garvey, Gruff Rhys and Jane Weaver.
Celebrating American Music
The 2026 Proms also marks two significant anniversaries: the 100th anniversary of jazz legend Miles Davis and the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Throughout the season, audiences can enjoy performances celebrating the music of Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Wynton Marsalis and other influential American composers, alongside exciting new commissions and world premieres.
More Than Classical Music
While classical music remains at the heart of the Proms, the festival continues to broaden its appeal with concerts celebrating a wide variety of musical styles.
This year’s programme includes:
- A tribute to Miles Davis
- A celebration of Marvin Gaye
- Music from James Bond films
- A spectacular Disney concert featuring songs by Alan Menken
- Contemporary works from leading composers
- Orchestral performances inspired by rock and popular music
Watch the BBC Proms from Home
If you haven’t managed to secure tickets, you can still enjoy much of the BBC Proms from the comfort of your own home. Many performances are broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, while a wide selection of concerts, including the First Night and the spectacular Last Night of the Proms, are shown on BBC and streamed on BBC iPlayer.
The BBC also makes many concerts available on demand after they’ve been broadcast, giving you the chance to catch up on performances whenever it suits you. Whether you’re a devoted classical music fan or simply curious to experience the atmosphere, watching from home is a fantastic way to enjoy one of the UK’s most celebrated cultural events.
Why Experience the BBC Proms?
The BBC Proms is far more than a classical music festival. It’s a celebration of music in all its forms, bringing together world-renowned orchestras, internationally acclaimed soloists and exciting new talent in one of the world’s most iconic concert venues. From timeless classical masterpieces to jazz, film scores, contemporary compositions and special themed concerts, there’s something to appeal to every musical taste. Whether you attend in person or tune in from home, the Proms offers an unforgettable summer of world-class performances.
Planning Ahead
The most popular concerts often sell out months in advance, particularly the First Night, Last Night and special themed Proms. However, if you do decide to visit London, a limited number of £8 Promming tickets are released on the day of each performance, offering an affordable way to experience the unique atmosphere inside the Royal Albert Hall.
If attending in person isn’t possible this year, following the festival online or on television is the next best thing, allowing millions of viewers across the UK and around the world to enjoy the magic of the BBC Proms each summer.