The Royal Albert All

Live experience: The Royal Albert Hall is on course to host 359 performances next year, including the annual BBC Proms, just six short of its record, set in 2004

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The Royal Albert Hall is almost fully booked for next year - despite facing competition from new venues such as the O2 and Wembley.

Although not every event in the diary is confirmed, it is set to host acts ranging from Mark Knopfler to the Mozart Festival Orchestra. The hall, with 5,500 seats, is on course to match this year's tally of 359 performances - six short of the 2004 record of 365.

The packed schedule comes despite fierce competition from the former Dome with 20,000 seats, Wembley and the revamped Roundhouse.

Chief executive David Elliott said: "Five or 10 years ago, everyone was predicting the demise of the live concert but the opposite has happened.

"Curiously, because everybody can now play their iPod and we're inundated with downloads, the live experience is at a premium."

Mr Elliott said there was competition between venues, but added: "The O2 has just had a series of headline acts but some of those artists would probably never play here and some prefer the intimate feel of the Royal Albert Hall."

He said he also wanted a mixed programme, not just big names. This year, the hall held the first in a series of events called Hush aimed at presenting younger, edgier artists to appeal to new audiences. It has also introduced lunchtime and Sunday brunch concerts in its restaurants.

However, ticket prices, which are normally set by the artist rather than the venue, are rising. For the Hush series, the hall aims to keep prices at £17 to £20 but big-name acts can command £70 for the best seats.

Mr Elliott said: "Prices are creeping up north of £50 even for non-charity events so the big question is whether audiences hold up. It amazes me they keep on buying - and it's the most expensive tickets that sell first."

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