If you’re traveling to London this summer, the BBC Proms is a British musical tradition you simply cannot miss. The Proms, which began in 1895, has now blossomed into the biggest classical music festival in the world. The series of 70 concerts over an eight-week period is held mainly in the elegant Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington. Various chamber music concerts, pre-show talks, and educational and children’s events also take place.

All concerts are broadcast on BBC Radio 3, with the “last night” being a huge traditional event broadcast on television.

“Prom” is short for “promenade.” A hundred years ago, audience members strolled (or promenaded) throughout certain areas of the concert hall during the performance of the music. The tradition now continues with areas of the Albert Hall being reserved for patrons who wish to stand. This is also a very economical way to see the show, and tickets for so-called Prommers can only be purchased on the day of the performance. The true purpose of the proms is to eliminate class distinctions and have music available to all members of the British public for less than the cost of a movie ticket. Given the Proms’ popularity, some of the reserved seats may exceed that amount today, but there are still a large number of seats and standing areas that are amazingly affordable. And, unlike your high school prom, there is no dress code for these events. If you’re in jeans and a t-shirt and happen to be in the area, go on in!

The 112th annual BBC Proms season takes place between July 14 and September 9, 2006. This year’s highlights include two birthday celebrations (Mozart’s 250th and Shostakovich’s 100th) and a collaborative choral piece developed by Orlando Gough to be performed twice on July 29. This amazing and unique performance, called “The Voice”, will feature two BBC Orchestras, The Shout choir, and over 800 professional and amateur singers.

Also, “Proms in the Park” takes place on Saturday, September 9, in five different UK cities – including London, in Hyde Park. This additional “last night” event is due to the fact that the final night of the Proms is so intensely popular – climaxing with an enormous outburst of British pride, boisterous singing, and Union Jack waving — that the Royal Albert Hall could be filled six times over with all the requests made by the public for tickets. If you think the odds are against you for the grand finale, book tickets for the outdoor show for £23 each through the official BBC website — then go back to your hotel or flat watch the Albert Hall show for free.

If you have the stamina and funds for an eight week vacation this year, earn “full house” honors and attend every one of the concerts. You’ll be in a quirky but very elite group of fans who do so every year.

Visit www.bbc.com/proms for more information, a full schedule, and online booking details.