Banned of Hope and Glory! EU flags are confiscated from Last Night of the Proms concert-goers under strict rules banning protest or hatred after pro-Europe demo outside the venue
EU flags were confiscated from Last Night of the Proms concert-goers yesterday following strict rules banning protest and hatred.
EU flags were confiscated from Last Night of the Proms concert-goers yesterday following strict rules banning protest and hatred.
The concert celebrates British tradition with patriotic music of the United Kingdom and was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London last night.
The venue last month released guidance banning flags, including those from prescribed groups, flags related to protest, hatred from the Proms finale.
But there seemed to be confusion among security staff at the event last night, as some concert-goers had flags taken from them at the door while others entered the venue carrying the yellow and blue flags without difficulty.
Last night, people from the pro-EU group Thank EU for the Music were handing out EU flags outside the venue as part of a demonstration.
The concert has previously seen anti-Brexit protesters holding EU flags during a campaign by a pro-Europe group.
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People outside the Royal Albert Hall for Last Night of the Proms yesterday
A woman stands outside the Royal Albert Hall with EU flags for Last Night of the Proms
Waving flags on the final evening is tradition, while the concert always features a performance of the national anthem.
Council worker Craig Amey, 35, of Leicester, arrived at the concert wearing a Union flag suit.
Speaking to The Telegraph, he said: Kick me out if you want to but you are not going to take my suit off.
Guidance released in August said: Flags are permitted at the Proms and are traditionally part of the Last Night celebrations provided they do not interfere with the smooth running of the concert.
It added that some flags will not be allowed in the auditorium, including those from proscribed groups, flags related to protest, hatred.
The concert celebrates British tradition with patriotic music of the United Kingdom
People dress up for Last Night of the Proms concert in London last night
Some people arrived wearing national flags for Last Night of the Proms
An additional PDF states that flags related to protest may be confiscated.
The venues statement that some flags are not allowed reportedly came after public concern over the growing number of audience members holding the EU flag instead of the Union Jack flag at the Last Night concert.
Two security guards were seen confiscating EU flags from ticket-holders as they went through the back check area, The Telegraph reported.
