Bandstand

A splendid addition to Central Park

The new bandstand has been erected very close to the original site of the first bandstand and will form a vibrant centre-piece for a range of concerts. The stone paving; steps and edges are of Ragstone composite to match the traditional materials of the plinth cladding. Protected by CCTV and other security measures, the bandstand has its own power supply, lighting and a music system for effect when not in use.

Bandstand Trivia

• The first bandstand in the UK was installed in 1861 in the Royal Horticultural Gardens in Kensington. Around 300 bandstands survive today.
• By the turn of the 20th Century there were around 40,000 brass bands in the country.
• Bandstands are not for drinking - they were associated with welfare, clean living and temperance movements. Appropriately enough, Sir Henry Wellcome's father in Wisconsin, USA, was a travelling temperance preacher.
• The traditional style of the bandstand was probably based upon the "Chhatri" (umbrella) or domed and pillared pavilion, found in Eastern influence architecture.
• It's not only about brass bands. In Top Hat (1935) Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' song "Isn't it a Lovely Day to be Caught in the Rain" is set on the bandstand in Hyde Park - although it was actually filmed at RKO's Hollywood studios.

Then...

The original bandstand was manufactured by Messrs Walter Macfarlane and Co. of Glasgow. At the grand opening of the park, the gates were ceremonially unlocked with a silver key and the dignitaries then took their seats on the bandstand from which speeches were given to the assembled crowd. In July 1905 the Council purchased 200 folding chairs for Central Park at three shillings seven and a half pence each.

And Now...

The new bandstand which was constructed by Gallagher Group Ltd and Britannia Architectural Metalwork Ltd has been erected very close to the original site of the first bandstand and will form a vibrant centre-piece for a range of concerts. The stone paving, steps and edges are of Kentish Ragstone composite to match the traditional materials of the plinth cladding. Protected by CCTV and other security measures, the bandstand has its own power supply, lighting and a music system for effect when not in use.