BBC Children's Prom

Event

Once a year Blue Peter take control of the Royal Albert Hall for two matinée Promenade performances; this year the show was hosted by ex-BP presenter Peter Duncan and CBBC presenter Gemma Hunt.

We were advised to arrive early so after a fairly early start to be outside the hall at about 9:15 we were second in the queue. However queuing is in front of the hall with a large area where kids can play in reasonable safety.

The concert was good in its own right avoiding "children's music," presenting bits and pieces from popular classics (Hall of the mountain king, Fanfair for the common man, etc) as well as slightly more obscure works (A Stravinski piece based on "Happy birthday" and the Storm from Peter Grimes) to something with a little difference (Bolliwood Brass Band).

B (1.5 years old) was nearly asleep before the concert but once the music started he sat entrapped by the event staring at the audience.

D (3 years old) enjoyed most of the concert but started getting restless towards the end of each half and was a little more selective about the music he enjoyed; although he was perpetually concerned by the volume it only really became a problem during Hall of the Mountain King when, I suspect, he was more restless than frightened.

Venue

The Albert Hall was never designed for a 21st Century parent, I rarely travel with a buggy and this was no exception but there was not much space if you had!

The price was very reasonable at £5 a head for all except "babes in arms" who were free (B 1.5 years counted as a babe in arms; D 3 did not, even though I was carrying him)

There were no nappy changing facilities, but the disabled toiled was clean enough and spacious enough to be used instead.

Close by

The RAH is within spitting distance of Hyde park and close to London's main museum district the Science museum and Natural History museums are both very child friendly.

Conclusion

An excellent mornings entertainment and something that I will be returning to next year.