BMW Classics 2024

Getting in and out

Gates will open at 3.45pm. Entry to the Square will be via the Upper Terrace on the north side of the Square in front of The National Gallery, with an entrance gate at either end.

The gates on the lower part of the Square to either side the stage, towards the Strand and towards the Mall, are for exit only.

A level, step-free access area is available in the centre of the Upper Terrace – see full details below. If you require step-free access to the lower part of the Square please email tickets@lso.co.uk to arrange entry.

What if it’s very busy or full?

The main space in the lower part of the Square will be filled up first. There will be limited space on the Upper Terrace giving a direct view of the stage. Screens either side of the stage will also relay the concert to the whole Square.

We advise that you should arrive early to secure a place. Gates open from 3.45pm. Should the Square fill completely, we will need to close the entrance barriers and it’s unlikely any further entry will be granted, even if people leave during the show.

Please be aware that if you leave the Square and it fills up while you are out, or you leave once the entrances are closed, you will not be able to get back in.

Not comfortable?

You are welcome to bring rugs and cushions are available to hire from carts at just £2.50 each. Please note that furniture is not allowed in the Square.

Toilets are located at the back of the lower part of the Square (20 pence charge applies, contactless card payment is available), with portable toilets available for the audience on the Upper Terrace.

Can we bring a picnic?

You are very welcome to bring food and drink into the Square, but for safety reasons please do not bring any glass. If you do have drinks in glass bottles with you, you will be asked to decant these into plastic jugs/cups provided at the entrance points.

If the forecast is hot, please do ensure that you bring sufficient water with you.

There will be concessions on the lower part of the Square selling hot and cold drinks, wrapped snacks. Please be aware that if you leave the Square to go to other outlets and it fills up while you are out, you will not be able to get back in.

Please don’t bring furniture with you, but rugs for the floor are fine. Cushions are also available to hire.

What about the weather?

Be prepared for any eventuality! Raincoats are preferred over umbrellas because these block the view of those behind you.

If it’s wet we’ll play on for as long as we can, but if the rain gets too heavy we’ll have to stop and restart if we can. There will be messages on the screens and announcements made, so sit tight and we’ll keep you posted. We will have biodegradable plastic ponchos available from the info point and the volunteers.

Please also be prepared for sunshine if the forecast is favourable! Bring a hat, sunscreen and extra water. Hats are preferred over parasols/umbrellas so the view of those behind you is not blocked.

What time will it finish?

About 6.40pm.

Can I take photos?

Photography and posting to X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook are very much encouraged! Use the hashtag #LSOBMWClassics and tag us @londonsymphony

We want to make the event as accessible and inclusive as possible for everyone and have the following provisions in place:

• A level, step-free access area in the centre of the Upper Terrace with seating and wheelchair spaces, together with seating on raised platform behind for those with less limited mobility.
  • The best entry points for the access area are either side of The National Gallery. You may find it easiest to enter the Square via the north west corner by the National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing, which is normally slightly less busy.
  • There is space for companions, however due to limited capacity entry is limited to groups of two.
  • Places in the access area are limited and will be able to be reserved in advance via this link from 10am on Tuesday 9 July.
  • There will also be a small number of places available on the day on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Those with reservations should arrive in by 4.30pm, otherwise their places will be added to the first-come, first-served allocation.

Reserve a space

• If you wish to watch the concert from the lower part of the Square rather and require step-free access, please email tickets@lso.co.uk to arrange entry at the south-east gate by The Strand.
• The front, level section of the access area on the Upper Terrace is equipped with a hearing loop.
• There is a portable accessible toilet on the Upper Terrace, in addition to the accessible toilet within the permanent toilet block on lower part of the Square. Please note that the lifts between the Upper Terrace and lower part of the Square will not be in operation.
• Large print programmes are available on request.
• Assistance dogs are welcome.