The Royal Albert Hall, which opened in 1871 as part of a national memorial to Prince Albert, is now one of the most famous performing arts venues in the world.

The Hall is situated in Central London in an area of South Kensington nicknamed ‘Albertopolis’, and has been affectionately dubbed ‘The Nation’s Village Hall’.

The highly versatile, 7,000 capacity event venue hosts over 300 events a year, the most famous of which is the Proms, held every summer.

The Hall has also been used for classical and rock concerts, ballroom dancing, ballet, opera, conferences, poetry, education, keep fit displays and even a circus, as well as hosting sporting events such as boxing, tennis and wrestling (including the first Sumo wrestling tournament ever held outside Japan).

Surrounding the oval-shaped Hall is a great terra cotta frieze depicting “The Triumph of Arts and Sciences”, and the Hall welcomes daytime visitors to its restaurant and shop. It also offers daily tours, which usually run from 10.00am to 3.30pm from Fridays to Tuesdays and last around 45 minutes.