BBC Proms attracts record numbers

Across the season, more than 36,000 people bought tickets for the first time

For the second year running the BBC Proms season has achieved record audiences, the corporation has announced.

Attendance at the main evening events was 94%, compared with 92% in 2010. More than 300,000 people attended a prom over the course of the summer.

The season draws to a close on Saturday night with the Last Night Of The Proms.

Conductor Edward Gardner will take to the podium at the Royal Albert Hall for his first ever Last Night.

He will be joined by Chinese pianist Lang Lang and British soprano Susan Bullock for special performances, alongside the traditional renditions of Jerusalem and Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance.

Director of BBC Proms Roger Wright said: "The strong attendance figures are a testament to the adventurous spirit of the Proms audiences, their continuing eagerness to embrace such a wide range of music and the great value for money which the Proms offers thanks to the ongoing commitment of the BBC."

In May when the tickets went on sale, the BBC said a record number were sold in the first 12 hours.

Across the season, more than 36,000 people bought tickets for the first time and more than 5,000 under-16s attended concerts.