A woman will conduct an orchestra at the world's oldest and biggest music festival for the first time ever. The BBC Proms started 118 years ago, include 92 concerts over 8 weeks, but have never had a female conductor. American Marin Alsop will take charge of the orchestra for the final concert – the legendary Last Night of the Proms. This is a distinctly British occasion to celebrate the "pomp and circumstance" of Britain. Ms Alsop told the BBC: "I think the fact that I'm an American woman, conducting the last night of the Proms is really a statement." Talking of her achievement, she said: "I'm extraordinarily proud to be the first woman, but I'm also sad that it's 2013 and there still can be firsts for women."

The director of the Proms Roger Wright said he was happy to be part of changing the "man's world" of conducting. He said: "Marin hasn't been chosen because she is a woman conductor. She knows and loves the Proms." Ms Alsop said: "I always enjoy working with the British orchestral musicians and I'm particularly looking forward to interacting with the audience, who play such a crucial role in making this a night that is utterly unique and special. It is a great honour that I know will be a highlight for me." She added: "The whole world is watching you. You're addressing the biggest audience of your career. It's the nearest a classical musician gets to an acceptance speech at the Oscars."