The organisers of the renowned BBC Proms are inviting musical enthusiasts to embrace the thrill of an all-night concert, aptly titled the Dark Till Dawn Prom, set to take place at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. This captivating event aims to provide a unique and immersive experience, encouraging fans to stay awake through a night filled with enchanting performances. The announcement of this event was made alongside the exciting lineup for the upcoming summer festival.

The Dark Till Dawn Prom, scheduled for August 8, 2025, was envisioned by the talented organist Anna Lapwood, who has spent considerable time practicing at the Royal Albert Hall during the late hours. Lapwood expressed her fascination with the venue's atmosphere at night, stating, "I find it fascinating that the building is still just running overnight. There are always people there - cleaners and security guards - a bit like A Night At The Museum." Her desire to invite an audience into this magical space, both physically and in spirit, has resulted in this innovative concert idea.

The night will showcase a diverse array of performers, including Hayato Sumino, a pianist known for his entertaining YouTube videos, and Anastasia Kobekina, a renowned cellist from Russia. Furthermore, the Norwegian ensemble Barroksolistene will recreate the lively atmosphere of a 17th-century English tavern with their creative Alehouse sessions. Lapwood aims to feature various collaborations throughout the night, although she acknowledges the complex logistics of coordinating everyones schedules.

In addition to the all-nighter, the 2025 Proms will feature a wide variety of concerts reflecting a rich blend of genres and cultural influences. Noteworthy performances include a special concert dedicated to the hit TV show The Traitors, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, who will explore the suspenseful soundtracks that have captivated audiences. This year's lineup also celebrates the works of esteemed composers, with highlights from Shostakovich's opera Lady Macbeth and a performance of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 4 by the rising Korean pianist Yunchan Lim.

The 2025 season promises to be memorable, with Sir Simon Rattle conducting Chineke!, Europes first orchestra founded by Black and ethnically diverse musicians, on September 5. Their concert will present the final composition by George Walker, a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer whose work was inspired by the tragic Charleston church shooting in 2015. The lineup will also feature exceptional talents such as soprano Aigul Akhmetshina, violinist Randall Goosby, sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar, and Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo.

This year marks a significant transition for the Proms, as it is the first season under the direction of Hannah Donat, who previously served as the director of artistic planning. In collaboration with Sam Jackson, the controller of BBC Radio 3, Donat has been instrumental in shaping the festival, which she likens to the classical music equivalent of Wimbledon. She remarked, "Everyone likes to go to a Prom, even if they're not going to concerts for the rest of the season. It gives the concerts a warmth and an informal atmosphere."

Among the many anticipated concerts are performances by acclaimed artists. On July 19, Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Samara Joy will grace the stage with a night of standards from legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. The following day, Nicholas McCarthy, the worlds only professional one-handed pianist, will make his Proms debut performing Ravels Piano Concerto for the Left Hand, a piece originally composed for Paul Wittgenstein, who lost his right arm in World War I.

Other highlights include the Last Night concert on September 13, conducted by Hong Kong-born Elim Chan, and a concert that celebrates 100 Years of the Shipping Forecast, featuring the voices of Radio 4's continuity announcers alongside a new work by poet laureate Simon Armitage. The season culminates with a vibrant concert showcasing the richness of African culture, led by Angelique Kidjo, who aims to highlight the contributions of iconic artists such as Miriam Makeba and Fela Kuti.

As the excitement builds for the upcoming Proms season, tickets will go on sale at 9 AM on May 17, 2025. Attendees can expect affordable pricing, with on-the-day Promming tickets available for just 8, and seated tickets starting at 10, plus booking fees. With a total of 86 concerts scheduled across various venues, including Gateshead, Bristol, Bradford, Belfast, and Sunderland, the BBC Proms promises to be a summer celebration of music that caters to a wide range of tastes.