Battle of Britannia: Brexit backers and EU supporters set for genteel stand-off at Last Night of the Proms

Show of patriotism: An online campaign ahead of this year's event has called for Union flags to be replaced with EU flags
CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images
Sebastian Mann10 September 2016

Thousands of classical music lovers may find themselves plunged into a battle of the flags at the Last Night of the Proms this evening.

Two parallel campaigns to equip patriotic punters with the colours of the United Kingdom and the EU are set to come to a head at the 5,000-capacity Royal Albert Hall on Saturday night.

Prominent Leave campaigner and millionaire Arron Banks has promised to hand out 10,000 Union flags, at a cost of £5,000 from his own pocket, at the event – in response to an online drive by anti-Brexit campaigners to arm audience members with the ensign on the EU.

Mr Banks told the Telegraph he wanted Prommers to "wave the union flag with pride and throw away the star spangled banner of oppression by casting aside the illegitimate EU flag”.

He added: “It is a British event and nothing to do with the EU - this is a pathetic attempt by the desperate 'Remoaners' to hijack a celebration of Britain.”

Earlier this week the Musicians’ Union backed the online call for a show of support for the EU to replace the traditional patriotic flag waving at the classical music event, which is watched by millions around the world.

In a statement, the union's general secretary John Smith said they hoped it would “demonstrate solidarity with our European neighbours and remind government of the need to consider issues affecting musicians in the upcoming Brexit negotiations.”

The Last Night of the Proms is consistently the most popular concert in the summer programme of BBC Proms events.

It includes well recognisable performances of Rule, Brittania and Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance.

A spokesman for the BBC said: "Flags are a traditional part of the Last Night of the Proms and audience members are not prevented from bringing them into the Hall.”

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