For over a decade, the Last Night of the Proms has been broadcast to a vast audience in Hyde Park in what is the most wonderful open air concert imaginable. It is an event that is loved by people of all ages and nationalities and enjoys a massive global TV audience. Proms in the Park is a chance for families and friends to get together for a picnic, for Pimms, and to share a unique experience. For one great night of the year, the nation is united in music and song in one of London’s most gracious and iconic parks sharing in the creative joy with thousands of people within the Royal Albert Hall.In 2009, Proms in the Park was hosted by Sir Terry Wogan supported by some of the UK’s top singing talent such as Lesley Garrett, Will Young, and the amazing Juan Diego Florez from Peru. Also in attendance is the Young Musician of the Year, Mark Simpson, and the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by the composer Carl Davis which will fill Hyde Park with ravishingly beautiful music. Towards the end of the evening, there is a big-screen live link-up with the Royal Albert Hall and the chance to join in the singalong of great standards such as Rule Britannia, Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory, and the National Anthem all, of which, will be led by the Royal Choral Society. The tickets for the Proms in the Park are for unreserved places and chairs are not encouraged unless, for reasons of reduced mobility, a chair is essential but please be considerate as there will be people sitting on the grass behind you. Picnics are fun in the park but not barbecues, so think of safety and do not smoke out your neighbours. The gates for the Proms in the Park open at 4 o’clock in the afternoon and the live entertainment on the temporary stage starts at 5:30pm. There are two bars serving the Proms in the Park so, before the onset of autumn, enjoy the last of the summer wine, or a Pimms, a bottle of Champagne with friends, or a few beers. And finally, leave all your inhibitions at home, link hands with your friends and fellow promenaders and sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ to your heart’s content.

Photo Credit: Neil Rickards | Since 2006 Holiday Velvet offers London holiday apartments.