‘Children are welcome at the Proms, but in consideration of our audience and performer, children under the age of five are not allowed in the auditorium,’ stated the 1996 edition of the BBC Proms prospectus, firmly. These days the wording is gentler: ‘We recommend that children … are aged five and over’. And there are two exceptions: the hourlong programme of music by Walton, Mozart, Rachmaninov and the Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk given by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra; and the Horrible Histories: ’Orrible Opera Prom, given by the chorus and orchestra of English National Opera.
Both are Relaxed Proms, a concept introduced in 2017, primarily for people with autism, sensory or communication impairments and learning disabilities, whatever their age. But they are also suitable for children and anyone who finds it difficult to stay still or
