The BBC Proms has continued to buck tough economic times with record ticket sales on the first day of booking. Over 114,000 tickets were sold in the first 12 hours when booking opened on Saturday May 11, a 17 per cent increase on the previous year. Of these, over 100,000 were purchased online.

‘The Proms remains the world’s largest music festival and it is a thrill that the demand for tickets has been extremely high,’ said Proms director Roger Wright. ‘Although this is a record breaking number of tickets sold on the first day of booking, it's important to remember that there are still tickets available for the vast majority of events and that you can always come and Prom on the day.’

The most popular events included the First Night of the Proms conducted by Sakari Oramo in his inaugural performance as chief conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra (July 12), two Doctor Who Proms (July 13 & 14) and both Proms by the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra with Mariss Jansons (August 8 & 9).

Up to 1,400 Promming tickets are also released on the day of each Prom, priced at just £5 for the eighth consecutive year. The season is once again being widely broadcast for those unable to get to London's Royal Albert Hall. Television channels BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three and BBC Four will carry a number of concerts, while BBC Radio 3 will broadcast every concert.

The Proms begins on July 12, running until September 7. For details visit the BBC Proms website.