Guide to BBC Electric Proms 2009

Guide to BBC Electric Proms 2009

16 October, 2009
by: Spoonfed Team

Strike up the orchestra and join the queue for the over-priced beers. The annual BBC Electric Proms 2009 runs from October 20 to 24 at the London Roundhouse and this year's line-up is looking stellar.  Unless you've been away in Timbuktu, you'll probably already know that Robbie Williams has returned from his Stateside 'retreat', Dizzee's going all high-brow and orchestral and Dame Shirley Bassey's celebrating the big five-o - years in showbiz, that is.

We haven't been this excited since finding out about the Spice Girls musical, which is why we've only gone and done up a handy little guide to the Proms. So read on very carefully, attention-deficit types... you won't regret it.

Who's playing when?
Tuesday Oct 20: Robbie Williams
Robbie performs classic tracks and new material from his new album 'Reality Killed the Video Star' alongside classic tracks, accompanied by a string section, horn section and full band and under the musical direction of Trevor Horn.
Full price tickets sold out, but £5 ballot tickets still available

Wednesday Oct 21: Dizzee Rascal + Live Band + Heritage Orchestra
Dizzee's first full-length live show is backed by a full orchestra, so expect radical interpretations of the grime artist's chart-toppers like 'Holiday' and 'Bonkers'.
Full price tickets and £5 ballot tickets still available

Thursday Oct 21: Doves + The London Bulgarian Choir + Magazine
Alt-rockers Doves rework their extensive catalogue with the London Bulgarian Choir, with post-punk legends Magazine taking to the stage on the same night.
Full price tickets and £5 ballot tickets still available

Thursday Oct 21: Florence & The Machine + Metronomy
The two much-lauded bands perform alongside the debut of two short films inspired by their music.
Tickets already balloted

Friday Oct 23: Dame Shirley Bassey + BBC Concert Orchestra + Richard Hawley
British legend Dame Shirley Bassey, the voice behind Diamonds Are Forever' and 'Goldfinger', partners the BBC Concert Orchestra. Support from former Longpigs and Pulp member Richard Hawley.
Full price tickets and £5 ballot tickets still available

Saturday Oct 24: Smokey Robinson + BBC Concert Orchestra
Soul icon Smokey Robinson rounds off this year's proceedings, performing his greatest hits together with songs from his new album 'Time Flies' in celebration of Motown record's 50th anniversary.
Full price tickets and £5 ballot tickets still available

So how do I get tickets now?
Right, this is where it gets a bit complicated. Many of the events sold out within days – tickets for the Robbie Williams gig went in hours – but a limited number of tickets are still available, usually from returns. Some restricted view seats have also gone on sale recently.

On Thursday October 15, registration for a very limited amount of £5 tickets opened for four days until Sunday October 18.  Given the popularity of the concerts, the odds of snaring tickets this way are pretty slim but it's still worth a shot we say. Tickets can also be won on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1xtra, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music.

Spoonfed recommends this three-pronged strategy: One, turn the radio up. Two, stalk the Electric Proms on Twitter for breaking news. Three, keep clicking on every website we've mentioned till you pass out from Repetitive Stress Syndrome. Good luck!

Are there any after-parties?
Yes, the post-Dizzee 1XTRA After Party on October 21. Unfortunately, all tickets have already been given away. This is where poncy friends in high places might be useful.

I can't get any tickets. =(
Awww.  You can watch and listen to the Proms on TV and radio. Click here to see the schedules.

Check out more Live Music in London
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SL

Spoonfed Team