BMW Classics 2026

Gates will open at 2.45pm. 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. There will be no re-entry should the Square fill and we need to close the entrance gates.

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

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 2.45pm. 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.

The majority of the audience sits on the floor in the main part of the Square.

The audience may sit on the central part of the main steps facing the stage and there are some benches around the sides of the the Lower Terrace. The audience is not permitted to sit or stand on any steps used as a thoroughfare.

Please note that furniture, including camping chairs, is not allowed to be brought into the Square.

There are wheelchair spaces and some seating for those with access requirements within an area in the centre of the Upper Terrace – please see the Accessibility section below for full details and how to reserve spaces.

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 and ice-cream. 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 items such as camping chairs with you – furniture is not allowed to be brought into the Square.

Toilets will be available from when the gates open at 2.45pm and are located at the back of the lower part of the Square (20 pence charge applies, contactless card payment is available). Portable toilets are also available for the audience on the Upper Terrace.

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.

There is no interval and the concert will finish at about 5.40pm.

Photography and posting to social networks are very much encouraged! Use the hashtag #LSOBMWClassics and tag us @londonsymphonyorchestra

All bags will need to be checked on entry and any prohibited items, including glass and furniture, will not be allowed into the Square.

Please note that there are no cloakroom facilities. Large bags or cases will not be admitted.

Please refrain from smoking or vaping in the Square in consideration of other audience members.

Trafalgar Square is easy to reach by public transport, including buses, the Tube, and national rail services.

Tube & Bus

Charing Cross Underground Station is the closest Tube station and is served by the Northern and Bakerloo lines. However, please note that this station does not have step-free access.

The nearest Underground station with step-free access from platform to street level is Westminster Station, which is served by the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines. From Westminster Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Trafalgar Square.

Bus routes that stop close to Trafalgar Square include:
Routes 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 15, 23, 87, 88, 91, 139, and 176, with most buses having wheelchair access.

For accessible travel options, including step-free routes and Dial-A-Ride services, you can visit the Transport for London (TfL) website for maps and to plan your journey: tfl.gov.uk.

National Rail

The nearest railway station is Charing Cross. It is 325 metres away, approximately 3 minutes’ walk. Charing Cross rail station offers step-free access and a step-free route to Trafalgar Square.

The surrounding area on Trafalgar Square can get very busy on the day of an event, so we recommend you take public transport. If you’re unable to take public transport for accessibility reasons, accessible parking is available near Trafalgar Square.

There are Blue Badge parking spaces on St Martin’s Street, located next to the National Gallery. Please be aware that these spaces are around 250 metres from the National Gallery. There are three designated Blue Badge parking bays available here.

For more information on parking, you can contact the Westminster Parking Information Service on 020 7823 4567. The helpline is open Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 8pm. To find other blue badge parking bays nearby, you can find disabled Blue Badge bays on the City of Westminster’s website using the postcode WC2N 5DN.