Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory WILL be played at Last Night Of The Proms, BBC confirms

Land Of Hope And Glory and Rule Britannia! will be performed at Last Night Of The Proms, the BBC has confirmed.

Downing Street said the patriotic anthems should not be dropped from the performance after reports that organisers feared a backlash in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests.

The Sunday Times said there were concerns surrounding the songs' perceived association with colonialism and slavery.

But on Monday the BBC said in a statement: “With much reduced musical forces and no live audience, the Proms will curate a concert that includes familiar, patriotic elements such as Jerusalem and the national anthem."

However, it added that "new moments" would be introduced "capturing the mood of this unique time".

These will include a rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone, "presenting a poignant and inclusive event for 2020," the corporation said.

It continued: “We very much regret the unjustified personal attacks on Dalia Stasevska, BBC Symphony Orchestra principal guest conductor, made on social media and elsewhere.

“As ever, decisions about the Proms are made by the BBC, in consultation with all artists involved.”

A new arrangement of Jerusalem will be performed, along with orchestral versions of Land Of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia!

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