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by Greenwich Photography

Don’t Miss the Royal Albert Hall, One of London’s Most Iconic Event Venues

When it comes to cultural entertainment, London has few shortcomings – a fact that’s apparent in the city’s impressive calendar of theatre, music and dance performances, not to mention its spectacular host of concert halls and event venues – one of the most iconic and versatile of them being the Royal Albert Hall. Inspired by the success of Prince Albert’s Great Exhibition, the Royal Albert Hall was opened in 1871 – ten years after the Prince’s death. Being largely influenced by ancient amphitheatres and notions of the arts, the oval structure’s terracotta walls are decorated on the outside with a frieze dedicated to “The Triumph of Arts and Sciences”. Today, the stunning venue stands as a testimony to the architectural and aesthetic achievements of the past, as well as the technological developments of the present; it even features the largest pipe organ in the British Isles.

The Royal Albert Hall hosts a wide variety of entertainment events, including classical, rock, pop and jazz music, sporting events, galas, banquets and balls and the world-famous Proms series. It has a capacity of 8000, but is typically packed with crowds during the summer months when the Promenade concerts take over. Thus, visitors have to the option to queue up on the day of an event in order to get cheap, last-minute tickets for the seat-less “Gods” level (the highest level in the hall), or to book in advance for seats up front.

The Royal Albert Hall has a year-round line-up of traditional and contemporary theatre, music and dance events. Upcoming performances include: the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on 15 March, the Classical Spectacular 2007 from 22 March – 25 March and the Cathcart Spring Prom concert on 17 May. There’s even a Ballroom Dancing Championships event being held in autumn!

If you’re planning to attend an event at the Royal Albert Hall in London, make sure you book a hotel in South Kensington. That way, you’ll be close to the venue and you’ll still remain well connected to other top London attractions such as Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum. Moreover, South Kensington is located right next to Knightsbridge, which, being home to the exclusively famous Harrods and Harvey Nichols department stores is one of the prime shopping districts of London.

So, during your next visit to London, book a hotel in South Kensington and attend a performance at one of the most iconic and atmospheric music venues in the world: the Royal Albert Hall.

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist.

My Way [Royal Albert Hall]

by douaireg

The Royal Albert Hall: Entertainment fit for Royalty

One of England’s much loved attractions is the Royal Albert Hall, a grand arts venue found in the Knightsbridge region of the borough of Westminster in London. Being one of the most prominent structures in London, it is famed the world over.

Opened to the public by Queen Victoria herself in 1871, it has become a stage for performances by artists from many genres. With over 350 performances held throughout the year, the range includes concerts of many musical genres, ballet and opera, ceremonies and much more. However, the Royal Albert Hall is best known for the annual summer Proms concert which has been held ever since 1941.

The Royal Albert Hall was originally to have been named the Central Hall of Arts and Sciences, but was later changed to Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences as a dedication to Queen Victoria’s beloved late husband and consort Prince Albert. The memorial itself to Prince Albert, the Albert Memorial is found in the northern parts of Kensington Gardens which is detached from the Royal Albert Hall due to traffic reasons. The Hall itself is the largest and best known building in the cultural compound which is affectionately named Albertopolis. Some of the most popular events held at the Royal Albert Hall include The Proms, Cream’s Farewell Concert, Concerto for Group and Orchestra, Eurovision Song Contest 1968 and Concert for George to mark the first year death anniversary of George Harrison. Other performances have included the likes of the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and The Who to name a few.

Take the time to enjoy some of the marvellous events that this venue has planned which offer a great cultural experience to beholders and much more. Opt to stay at a Central London hotel in the vicinity of the attraction such as Elysee Hotel. This quaint hotel offers charming accommodation along with warm hospitality for a relaxing and comfortable stay.

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