Proms 2018

[VodkaDilc]

After a really quick session last year (about 20 minutes), I eventually got in at number 10,000+ at 9.15. About two hours later I got the tickets I wanted, though there were problems again with the credit card. The first attempt at payment failed, but the second try was successful. Last year, I think i had to change to another card. There deos seem to be a problem with this aspect of the process; otherwise it seems to move more swiftly than previous years.

[Petrushka]

After a really quick session last year (about 20 minutes), I eventually got in at number 10,000+ at 9.15. About two hours later I got the tickets I wanted, though there were problems again with the credit card. The first attempt at payment failed, but the second try was successful. Last year, I think i had to change to another card. There deos seem to be a problem with this aspect of the process; otherwise it seems to move more swiftly than previous years.

There does seem to be an issue with debit cards that get rejected for no apparent reason. Almost unbelievably, my second attempt has been equally successful with only the 2nd BPO concert seat being not where I wanted. Some seats are actually better than my first attempt. My real complaint is with Lloyd's Bank fraud dept who kept me holding on for over an hour before I could get the problem resolved.

An altogether stressful morning.

[Beef Oven!]

I will probably be waiting as long, or longer, for tickets on the days I attend, though at least I will not have to hang on the phone. I might sometimes need an umbrella and something soft to sit on though.

Same here

[teamsaint]

Anybody know when you can select tickets, rather than just buy within a category ?

Edit: In other news, Prom 17 seems to be almost sold out. ( Parry 5, Lark, RVW 3). Bit surprised that is so popular.

And also surprised at apparently good availability for the Boston SO/ Mahler 3 Prom 67.

[Simon B]

Anybody know when you can select tickets, rather than just buy within a category ?

No, afraid not - having specifically tried to establish this in the past. It is usually some considerable while after the initial booking day (like 1-2 weeks), and appears to be a case of someone caving into the urge to press the relevant button seemingly at random.

The lack of SelectYourOwnSeat at this stage drives me around the bend.

As an aside, anecdotally ticket sales appear well down so far - still bucket loads available for all Berlin PO and Boston SO concerts and other big names. Only the First Night, Mahler 8 and the John Wilson Orch appear sold out, all of these rather predictably.

The crucial bit in Prom 17 is the fateful words "Lark, The, Ascending" IMO. One of a select band of works which seem to have a remarkable (for which read ridiculous) ability to pull in punters regardless of its brevity and minor part in the totality of a programme.

At least the IT no longer collapses in an ugly heap following the move to cloud servers and no Dr Who Proms to generate a billion ticket seekers...

[teamsaint]

No, afraid not - having specifically tried to establish this in the past. It is usually some considerable while after the initial booking day (like 1-2 weeks), and appears to be a case of someone caving into the urge to press the relevant button seemingly at random.

The lack of SelectYourOwnSeat at this stage drives me around the bend.

As an aside, anecdotally ticket sales appear well down so far - still bucket loads available for all Berlin and Boston Phil concerts and other big names. Only the First Night, Mahler 8 and the John Wilson Orch appear sold out, all of these rather predictably.

At least the IT no longer collapses in an ugly heap following the move to cloud servers and no Dr Who Proms to generate a billion ticket seekers...

Thanks SB.

I find the search facility really useful during the season when there are often cheapish circle tickets to be had as a good alternative to promming.

I'm going to regret it if I don't book Prom 67, aren't I ?.......

[Simon B]

Rats. I mean Boston Symphony, obviously.

Mahler 3 at 2pm? Too early in the day for metaphysics. "What does the deep mid-afternoon say?" (with apologies to the ever-jocular Nietzsche) doesn't have the right ring to it. As Leslie Phillips wouldn't say -"Bimm Bamm!". Cough.

Still, Nelsons carves a decent Mahler 3 - his kind of thing really IMV.

[Suffolkcoastal]

After a really quick session last year (about 20 minutes), I eventually got in at number 10,000+ at 9.15. About two hours later I got the tickets I wanted, though there were problems again with the credit card. The first attempt at payment failed, but the second try was successful. Last year, I think i had to change to another card. There deos seem to be a problem with this aspect of the process; otherwise it seems to move more swiftly than previous years.

Must of got into the waiting room the same time as me then, I also took about 2 hours & noticed that I went backwards in the queue a couple of times. Also took two attempts to get my credit card to work, definitely issues there then. Anyway got tickets for the two Proms I wanted to attend, 27/07 the Parry, Holst & RVW, 08/08 Walton,Britten, Copland & Barber.

[pureimagination]

I would like to give my experience of a positive ticket buying experience for this season's Proms, though, for what will become clear to many is not a option for most, but is still an option that's worked for me every year.
On Friday 11th May I arrived outside the RAH at about 11:30 pm. I joined the very short queue for Prom tickets and prepared to make a night of it! I had a good supply of food, a flask of coffee, my trusty iPod and nearly enough clothing to keep out the chilliest part of the night. Some familiar faces were there and it's up to how much conversation you want to engage in or try to grab some sleep. The RAH night staff pop out occasionally to see if everyone's ok and about 7am more staff arrive and prepare everyone for the bag checks and the box office opening at 9am (they open one of the cafes at 8am).
By 9am there were about 150-200 in the queue (a lot less than some years) By about 9:04am I had my tickets in my hand - all the Proms I wanted to see, in seats in areas of my choosing [all thanks to the efficiency of the RAH staff], and by doing it in person saved a lot of money on booking/transaction fees etc. And I paid in cash which negated the threat of a refused credit/debit card. The other benefit of doing it this way (though not particularly in my case) is that you are guaranteed a ticket for those 'in demand' Proms which always seem to sell out in a few hours.
One elective night in the year staying/sleeping outside the RAH was/is worth it [helped by my previous personal experience of rough sleeping in London, though obviously not a prerequisite] and I'll probably do it all again next year.

[Serial_Apologist]

I would like to give my experience of a positive ticket buying experience for this season's Proms, though, for what will become clear to many is not a option for most, but is still an option that's worked for me every year.
On Friday 11th May I arrived outside the RAH at about 11:30 pm. I joined the very short queue for Prom tickets and prepared to make a night of it! I had a good supply of food, a flask of coffee, my trusty iPod and nearly enough clothing to keep out the chilliest part of the night. Some familiar faces were there and it's up to how much conversation you want to engage in or try to grab some sleep. The RAH night staff pop out occasionally to see if everyone's ok and about 7am more staff arrive and prepare everyone for the bag checks and the box office opening at 9am (they open one of the cafes at 8am).
By 9am there were about 150-200 in the queue (a lot less than some years) By about 9:04am I had my tickets in my hand - all the Proms I wanted to see, in seats in areas of my choosing [all thanks to the efficiency of the RAH staff], and by doing it in person saved a lot of money on booking/transaction fees etc. And I paid in cash which negated the threat of a refused credit/debit card. The other benefit of doing it this way (though not particularly in my case) is that you are guaranteed a ticket for those 'in demand' Proms which always seem to sell out in a few hours.
One elective night in the year staying/sleeping outside the RAH was/is worth it [helped by my previous personal experience of rough sleeping in London, though obviously not a prerequisite] and I'll probably do it all again next year.

Not everyone can afford to sleep on South Kensington's streets paved with gold, though....

[PhilipT]

.. (they open one of the cafes at 8am). ..

Hmm. In recent years the rule has been "7:30am weekdays, 9:00am weekends". Has that changed? (There was one year when the management were persuaded to open at 8:00am on the morning of the Last Night, for the benefit of the 'hopefuls' who had slept out.)

[EdgeleyRob]

We are going to be in Landan for a couple of days during the season and my first ever visit to the Proms will be 31/7 for the Haydn,RVW London Symphonies,also booked tickets for the following evening (Strauss is not really my thing though).
Would have loved to attend the Parry,Holst,RVW concert but alas not possible.
Payback is having to see Phantom of the Opera with SWMBO.

[french frank]

Payback is having to see Phantom of the Opera with SWMBO.

Could you wait outside for her?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Payback is having to see Phantom of the Opera with SWMBO.

South West Morecambe Ballroom Orchestra?

[Bryn]

Could you wait outside for her?

That does not truly count as obedience, surely?