You’re possibly someone who thinks that classical music is a bit boring, that you need to know something about it before you step into a concert hall, or that its for the landed gentry. None of this is the case. Classical is a listening experience like no other and, arguably, the Proms is the best most inclusive place to experience it.
Memorable tunes, big sounds, and electric experiences
This selection of concerts is specifically put together for people who haven’t been before. Memorable tunes, big sounds, and electric experiences. For the best first time experience, log on to the Royal Albert Hall website first thing every day (times on website) to bag yourself a standing ticket for Ā£8. You’ll almost certainly be guaranteed a place in the arena (they rarely sell out). The earlier you buy your ticket the closer to the stage you’ll be. That’s the goal.
Attending the Proms
Some concerts may well appear sold out, but itās always worth checking for returns either online, or at the venue box office. Standing tickets (Promming tickets) are available online every day (check the Royal Albert Hall for details). Dress code: there isnāt one.
Listen Live or Stream
If you canāt get there, every concert is broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. Some concerts are available on TV and BBC iPlayer. When available the links below will be updated with streaming links.
1. Beethovenās Symphony No. 5 from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Friday 25 July 2025, 7.30pm
š§Ø A revolutionary piece of classical music with the the most well-known opening. The Scottish Chamber Orchestra are renowned for their energetic performances.
2. Viennese Waltzes from the BBC Concert Orchestra
Saturday 2 August 2025, 11am
š A nostalgic whiff of waltzes from a bygone age. Short whistlable tunes that stir the heart and lift the soul.
3. Great British Classics
Saturday 2 August 2025, 11am
š« The most memorable of British romantic music including Elgar’s Enigma Variations, and Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending. Guaranteed to evoke memories of steam trains, and buttered toast and jam.
4. Rachmaninovās Piano Concerto No. 2 from the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Wednesday 30 July 2025, 7.30pm
š¹ Rachmaninov’s most-loved piano concerto with its heartstring-tugging slow movement that brings tears to the eyes.
š« https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/e339hn
5. Saint-Saens’s Organ Symphony
Saturday 2 August 2025, 11am
š¼āŖ The BBC Symphony Orchestra and the mighty Royal Albert Hall organ join forces in this epic scaled romantic symphony that will make the earth move for even the most skeptical of Proms virgins.
š« https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/ej3wxj
Ā
š Planning your Proms 2025?
Here’s where to start: the Thoroughly Good Proms Edit highlights big names, offbeat surprises, and must-hear performances: a guide to concerts worth attending or streaming in 2025
Review – BBC Proms 2025: Last Night of the Proms
This year’s end of term party was certainly polished and appeared to satisfy the target audience.
BBC Scottish Symphony’s Ilan Volkov speaks out against Israel at the BBC Proms
A cracking performance of Brahms’ fortifying Symphony No. 2 rounded off with a much-needed plea from the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra’s principal conductor Ilan Volkov
Radio 3 Unwind launches on DAB radio
Radio 3 Unwind arrives on DAB today ā mood music with a BBC badge. Once derided, now unavoidable. A bold pitch for new listeners or a Reithian nightmare? Either way, itās a sign the classical broadcast landscape is shifting faster than some critics would like to admit.
Sam Jackson on Radio 3, the BBC Proms, and cultural leadership
What does it mean to be a āprogramme makerā when strategy and credibility keep intruding? In this new Thoroughly Good Podcast, Sam Jackson talks Proms, Radio 3, and the contradictions of cultural leadership.
Opinion – The bigger picture on BBC orchestras (and why more tv isnāt the answer)
The BBC has been forced to do more with less for years. Orchestras are a tiny fraction of its output, and classical music isnāt what the broad audience is demanding. The Proms remain protected because they deliver reach ā and reach is what justifies the Licence Fee.
About Thoroughly Good
The Thoroughly Good Blog and Podcast takes classical music seriously without making it complicated. Itās a space for curious people to connect with music that moves them; a place where newcomers and seasoned listeners alike can find meaning, joy, and relevance in music and culture. Discover interviews, previews, commentary, and behind-the-scenes stories that show how music is part of real life.
Classical music isnāt difficult. Itās just music.
Find Thoroughly Good on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads and Bluesky
Support Thoroughly Good
If youāve enjoyed a podcast episode, blog post, review, or just appreciated the thinking behind Thoroughly Good, consider showing your support.
Thoroughly Good remains committed to the stubborn belief that classical music deserves smart, serious, and down to earth coverage ā without clickbait or compromise.
A small contribution helps cover the time, travel, editing, and care that goes into creating content that isnāt chasing algorithms. Help keep it going. Your support would be hugely appreciated.
Ā
Ā