A MUCH-LOVED park bandstand has been brought back into use, ready to host performances throughout the summer holidays.
Worcester City Council has repaired the Grade II listed bandstand in Gheluvelt Park and rebuilt the wooden bridge that links to it, enabling musicians and performers to safely access and perform in it once again.
The cast-iron bandstand was originally presented to the city by the High Sheriff of Worcestershire, Alfred Wiggin, in May 1923 – one year after the park opened in honour of the Worcestershire Regiment’s 2nd Battalion and their role in the Battle of Gheluvelt in 1914.
Positioned at the centre of an ornamental pond, the bandstand has been a popular venue for musical performances over the decades, but became unusable recently after its condition deteriorated.
Repair work included the replacement of several of the bandstand’s roof tiles and the installation of its original gate.
The bridge has been replaced to match the original design and style.
The bandstand has also undergone minor repairs, including the replacement of several roof tiles and the installation of its original gate.
The £70,000 project was funded through Worcester City Council’s maintenance programme.
The Mayor of Worcester, Coun Tor Pingree, will officially open the bandstand at 2pm on Sunday (July 19), followed by a performance from Worcester Concert Brass until 4pm.
Coun Karen Lewing, vice-chair of Worcester city council’s environmentcCommittee said: “The restoration of the historic and listed bandstand is fantastic to see, bringing this much-loved feature back into use at the heart of Gheluvelt Park.
“We’re proud to have invested in preserving this important part of Worcester’s heritage and I look forward to seeing the bandstand come alive with music again this weekend.
“Following last year’s refurbishment of the Splashpad and other improvements across Gheluvelt Park, the restored bandstand is another fantastic feature for visitors to enjoy all year round.”
