Bandstand
Bandstands are circular or semi-circular structures, erected in public parks or outdoor spaces, to provide a venue for live artistic performances. The apparent simplicity of bandstand designs is often countered by ornamentation and aesthetic embellishment.
Bandstands were first introduced in the UK in the 1700s. They were then encouraged during the industrial revolution as urban populations grew rapidly and open spaces were built on, and it was realised that the working classes were spending their recreational time in pubs. This led to the creation of municipal parks for the public to relax in while listening to music or watching plays and other sorts of performance.
The first bandstands were built in London, Leeds, Rochdale and Sheffield. Seaside resorts such as, Eastbourne, Great Yarmouth and Brighton quickly followed suit. It is estimated that around 1,200 bandstands were designed and completed between the 1860s and the Second World War. Each bandstand was unique with each new design attempting to outdo its competitors.
Bandstands became the focal points of public parks and other open spaces and provided a stage for a variety of acts, most notably live music and brass bands. During their heyday in the Victorian era, bandstands drew vast crowds, sometimes ranging from ten thousand to fifty thousand people.
Inventions such as the wireless and television, and the increasing popularity of cinema, contributed to the decline of bandstands, with local communities slowly losing their connection to these once popular constructions. During the late 20th century, many bandstands became neglected and disused, derelict structures that only offered memories of times gone by.
In 1997, the Heritage Lottery Fund began raising funds for, amongst other things, increasing investment in public gardens, parks and public spaces. This promoted the rebirth of bandstands being used to display and promote the arts, such as theatre, drama and many genres of live music, including opera. Bandstands were viewed by the fund as important community assets that had the potential to bring people together in an enjoyable environment. Over a hundred bandstands were restored and around 350 original bandstands are still standing.
See also: Bandstands: pavilions for music, entertainment, and leisure.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Architecture of concert tour designs.
- Assets of community value.
- Bandstands: pavilions for music, entertainment, and leisure.
- Frei Otto.
- Gazebo.
- Impact of pavilion design on sustainable outcomes.
- Kiosk.
- Live event production.
- Local green space.
- National park.
- Pavilion.
- Pyramid Stage, Glastonbury Festival.
- Temporary demountable structures.
- Village greens.
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.