As some of your correspondents have stated, 'The Proms' have become a
great British musical institution, with a diversity of musical styles
and performed by many and varied musicians from all over the world.
The last night really is party night and the only time I was lucky
enough to 'nearly' attend was when there was an 'outreach' concert
at the Eden Project here in Cornwall, joined by TV links to London,
Belfast and, I believe, Edinburgh.  It was however somewhat subdued
as that year's concert occurred shortly after 7/11 and the traditional
singing of patriotic songs was dropped in case it was thought to be
inflammatory.

The diversity of musical styles and performers was displayed one year
when Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" was played with a full orchestra
accompanying a reproducing grand piano which played music roll(s)
supposedly recorded by Gershwin himself.  I wish I had recorded that
performance at the time!

David S Smith