why are there eu flags at the proms

The EU flags at the Proms, especially the Last Night of the Proms, are there primarily as a symbol of solidarity and support for musicians and performers affected by Brexit. Since the Brexit referendum in 2016, pro-EU campaign groups, such as "Thank EU for the Music," have distributed thousands of EU flags to attendees to wave alongside Union Jacks. This tradition aims to show that it is possible to maintain a European and internationalist identity alongside being patriotically British, and it highlights the challenges Brexit has introduced to musicians touring in the EU, such as customs difficulties and financial difficulties. The flags also represent a political statement about unity, inclusivity, and the desire for a borderless music industry, countering what some see as divisive Brexit celebrations. The visual presence of EU flags has grown in recent years, often sparking political debate, but the groups involved insist the flags are not a protest but a symbol of hope and solidarity with artists and the wider cultural and political relationships with Europe. The Royal Albert Hall allows flags provided they do not interfere with the concert's smooth running, and EU flags are exempt from the ban on "protest flags".