For me, the happiest tradition of the summer is the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. Somewhat overshadowed this year by the Olympics, they seem to reach a pitch of perfection, not only in performers but audiences. As it costs only £5 to stand, or "prom", people are willing to take risks. I have discovered all sorts of new music this way. 

At the start of the summer I went to hear Mark Elder conduct Britten, Mahler and Stravinsky. By the time The Rite of Spring came along anybody who had been sitting in the arena was on their feet. As the music got going I found myself watching the audience more than the orchestra.

A young man in front with his arm around his girlfriend was subtly conducting along. Another seemed to be only just restraining himself from bursting into full dance. And along from him, just in front of me, a girl in a headscarf was standing on her toes and bouncing up and down in time with the primordial beat. 

It was a wonderful sight and a great reminder of what good things happen when you give people access to the very best that our culture — and our world — has to offer.