BMW Classics 2024

Getting in and out

Entry to Trafalgar Square is 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 Square to either side the stage, towards Charing Cross Tube station and towards the Mall, are for exit only.

What if it’s very busy or full?

The lower part of the Square will be filled up first; the Upper Terrace will have a very limited direct view of the stage but there will be screens relaying the concert.

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?

Furniture is not allowed in the Square. You are welcome to bring rugs and cushions are available to hire from carts at just £2.50 each. Toilets are located on the lower terrace towards the back (20 pence charge applies, contactless card payment is available).

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.

There will be a concession on the lower terrace of the Square selling hot and cold drinks, wrapped snacks and ice-creams. 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 if it rains?

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

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 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 page 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.
• The front, level section of the access area 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 are not currently in operation.
• Large print programmes are available on request.
• Assistance dogs are welcome.