The Albert Hall on the Last Night of the Proms

The Albert Hall was opened in 1871. The idea came from Prince Albert himself, who after the great success of the Great Exhibition in 1851, proposed the creation of Albertopolis. Progress was slow, but after his death in 1861, a memorial to the Prince Consort was proposed consisting of a memorial in Hyde Park and a Great Hall opposite.

Construction of the Hall started in 1867 of the Hall of Arts and Sciences. It was designed by two civil engineers, Captain Francis Fowkes and Major-General Henry Scott of the Royal Engineers. The design was heavily influenced by ancient amphitheatres.

Since 1942, the Promenade Concerts have been held in eight weeks in the Summer. The Last Night, after a serious first half, traditionally features in the second half singing of Land of Hope and Glory, and is great event broadcast live on the BBC. It was relayed last night to four sites round the UK. In addition members of Team GB were welcomed onto the stage.