The BBC Proms is a cultural classical music event like no other, enjoying a special place in the nation’s psyche, being as much a part of the British experience as Glastonbury or Wimbledon.
When Cabbells were contacted during the lockdown of of January 2021 (yes, that extremely bleak time for the sector which we collectively would like to wipe from our memories) to take on the advertising sales for a ‘possible’ BBC Proms event in May, we seized the opportunity to support this exceptional festival of music.
Despite operating in a challenging and uncertain climate, Cabbells delivered outstanding ad revenue successes and due to our achievements, we are delighted to again be appointed by the BBC for the 2022 Proms.
Our team are unique, with extensive sector specialist backgrounds and always like to take any opportunity to show off their product background knowledge – so here are some fun Proms facts:
• The word ‘Prom’ is a contraction of ‘Promenade Concert’ – a term used to describe events that were originally both outdoors and free, where the audience would walk around whilst listening to the performers play.
• The seated area closest to the stage was designed to replicate this ‘Promenading’ and in a master stroke, by removing the seats, this democratised the access to classical music and ensured the longevity of the event.
• The original home of the Proms was the Queens Hall in Langham Place, however this venue was destroyed in air raid in 1941 at which point it moved to its new home at the Royal Albert Hall.
• George Cathcart, a founding patron of the Proms, requested that the pitch of the organ was changed to a lower register, leading to many other orchestras following suit.
• The lowest priced tickets can be brought on the day for just £6, leading to large queues of ‘Prommers’ trying to bag the amazing value tickets.
We’ll save more fun Proms facts until later in the year, when the excitement of this fantastic event builds further.
Our specialist Account Executives are thrilled to be working the Proms once again and we are operating in full flow as always. Moving into 2022, we are buoyed by the current optimistic market which is demonstrating a thirst to engage with arts audiences.
OK, one more…
• In 1974, during a performance of Carmina Burana, baritone Thomas Allen collapsed. A student, Patrick McCarthy stepped in from the audience, borrowing en route a tie and dinner jacket and performed the final four baritone numbers. He received an enormous ovation before retiring to the pub with his friends!
Here’s to a fantastic and well deserved 2022 for all of the arts and culture sector!
Best wishes,
