Bollywood to make debut at Proms

Trumpeter Alison Balsom will perform on the traditional last night

The first concert showcasing Bollywood music is among the highlights at this year's BBC Proms season.

Contemporary composers Philip Glass and Michael Nyman will also have concerts dedicated to their work, with a premiere for the latter musician.

Complete cycles of piano music by Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky's ballet will also feature on the programme.

The event takes place from 17 July to 12 September, culminating in the traditional last night fanfare.

The usual performances of Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March (Land of Hope and Glory) and Rule Britannia! will be led by David Robertson.

Goldie goes classical

Another unusual offering for the final night includes composer Malcolm Arnold's A Grand Grand Overture, which features parts for vacuum cleaners, a floor polisher and rifles.

The day-long Indian prom will look at the numerous vocal styles coming out of the country, and culminate in a Bollywood spectacular at London's Royal Albert Hall.

PROMS SEASON - SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS 1 August - Celebration of MGM film musicals, including the Wizard Of Oz 9 August - Multiple pianos day, with several instruments being played simultaneously 16 August - Indian Voices day and Bollywood prom 25 August - Michael Nyman evening 12 September - Last Night of the Proms (2008 pictured)

In other less conventional offerings, the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain will perform their reworking of the Sex Pistols' God Save The Queen.

The opening weekend will see a series of performances with the common thread of evolution to mark the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth.

For the closing night of the season, two new venues are joining the Proms in the Park spectacular - Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland and Salford's Buile Hill Park.

A number of events will be held to encourage young people and families to get involved in the Proms, including taking classical music to communities around London.

Drum and bass musician Goldie, who appeared on the BBC's Maestro programme, will write a short orchestral work and have his progress followed on BBC Two.

Concerts during the season will be broadcast on Radio 3, BBC Four and BBC Two, with a new red button service enabling viewers to have an expert's insight into conducting.