Last night of the proms (hopefully)

[Lottie1988]

With the last night of the proms looming next week, do you think it is outdated and stuck in the past. It is symbolic of everything that is wrong with Britain today. It harks back to the empire and glorifies Britains shameful military past.

The flag waving and jingoism of the last night is something that we would expect of a third world republic and not what we would expect of Britain in the 21st century.

Is it time we consigned this awful display of nationalism to the dustbin of history where it belongs.

[Gromit]

For BOO

[ludwig]

Not my kind of thing really, but I can't see the harm in it.
Anyway, if the sight of all those union jacks serves to irritate sanctimonious lefties, that's got to be a massive plus in favour of keeping it going.

[Ethel]

I have seen the USA flag, the French flag and others waved at recent years LNOTP.

I haven't seen any rioting.

[naomi24]

If you find it dreary, Newsdesk, don't watch it. And don't we already celebrate 'the rich tapestry that Britain has become' with events like the Notting Hill Carnival? Shall we stop that too just in case someone finds it offensive? Tell you what, why don't we stop all enjoyable events that celebrate any culture. Maybe then we'll all be as miserable as you clearly are.

[Quinlad]

Well said.

[B00]

What do you mean it represents all that is wrong with this country?

National pride? Get a grip Newsdesk!

[e.crespo]

As an answerbanker who actually enjoys the Proms season, actually makes the effort to go to several concerts and has been lucky enough to go to the LNOTP for many years, I would like to give my humble opinion.
Anyone can go to the proms, for as little as �5,except for the LNOTP, there is no dress code, I usually wear jeans and tee shirt.
The audience is surprisingly cosmopolitan and on the LNOTP, flags of many nations are twiddled with by their respective "twits", not just the English.
This event, the Prom season, is the premier concert season in the world and as such it is something to be proud of. Where else can you be spellbound by Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmoniker playing firstly Tristan and Isolde followed by Messiaen's Turangalila, to name just one concert, for �5 for crying out loud.
Please go next year and surprise yourself.

[B00]

Who says its a white only festival Newsdesk? I see this as a celebration of the country you were born into, whether you're black white or ruddy purple.

[naomi24]

Why is it racism? As e-crespo says, anyone can go to it., and people of all nationalities do go to it. I'll bet you wouldn't say the Notting Hill Carnival smacks of racism. Sounds like you harbour double standards to me.

Where do you live then? Unless it somewhere like the Outer Hebrides, surely travelling now and then to go to these events isn't an unsurmountable problem? I go to Italy just to see the opera, so travelling within the UK doesn't seem that difficult to me.

[B00]

I really despise views like the one Newsdesk has got here. In todays society it's seen as racism if you're proud of the country you're born into.

I'm English and damn proud of it- if that fact alone makes me a racist, then so be it.

[Tups]

The Last Night of the Proms is the most British thing (the only one?) we have left. Get rid of that and we really will be going to the dogs! Don't watch it if you don't like it but I fail to see how the Feel Good Factor can escape anyone who does! Enjoy it everyone!

[Quinlad]

naomi, BOO.

It could be that Newsdesk is winding you up. Just a thought.

[naomi24]

Has anyone been to the Classical Specaculars at the Royal Albert Hall? Similar sort of thing to the Last Night of the Proms, complete with all the usual singing and flag-waving - and they throw in the 1812, complete with cannon and fireworks, for good measure. Wonderful! It's a great night out, and I would thoroughly recommend it - to anyone!!

[naomi24]

I know, Quinlad. That would be par for the course. :o)

[B00]

Aye possibly Quinlan, I hope so anyway!

Looks like I'll have to go LNOTP with you then naomi, as I said previously, I can' t find no sod to ever go with me :-(

[naomi24]

Oh, B00, that's a great pity. Why won't they go?

[B00]

Mr Boo says it's boring so refuses point blank.

[naomi24]

Seeing it on television is nothing like the reality. How about asking China? She might like a bit of culture - and she lives in London. Just an idea. :o)