Land of Hope and Glory reaches number 1 in charts

THE BBC has been mocked after Land of Hope and Glory reached the top of the iTunes chart following a backlash over the broadcaster's decision to perform the patriotic song without lyrics at the Last Night of the Proms.

The row over Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia was sparked by reports the two songs could be dropped from the Last Night of the Proms due to their perceived association with colonialism and slavery.

But the BBC fuelled the controversy when the broadcaster confirmed the traditional favourites would be performed but without the lyrics.

There will be no audience at the concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall on September 12 because of coronavirus restrictions.

Members of the audience usually sing along and enthusiastically wave flags when Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory play.

BBC director-general Lord Hall said he backed the decision to ditch the lyrics this year.