Radio 3

The sound of summer pours from your radio in Proms Countdown 2026. From first light to the very first note of the BBC Proms, Radio 3 broadcasts live from the Royal Albert Hall. Tom McKinney, Georgia Mann, Mark Forrest and Katie Derham take you behind the scenes as excitement builds for the opening night — from unlocking the doors to the moment the performers step on stage. Proms Countdown is your access-all-areas pass, with exclusive interviews from Proms performers, backstage stories and live performance — a front-row seat to the sounds and stars of the world’s greatest classical music festival. Mid-morning, and the Royal Albert Hall rings with the sound of brass as members of the Black Dyke Band rehearse for their weekend Prom — taking a break to perform live, especially for Proms Countdown. Other guests include pianist Alexandra Dariescu, conductor Adam Hickox and Sandi Toksvig.