How to Watch 'The Proms' 2026 Online — Stream the Epic Classical Music Festival for Free In an era where elitism is often associated with classical music, the BBC's "The Proms" festival stands out as a beacon of inclusivity.
For over 120 years, this iconic summer event has made classical music accessible to the masses, and its commitment to reaching wider audiences is more crucial now than ever.
A History of Accessibility Founded in 1895 by impresario Robert Newman and conductor Henry Wood, "The Proms" was initially designed to bring classical music to London's working class communities.