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
IHBC’s response to Parliamentary Committee
On Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill.
Finalists for 2022 CIOB Awards revealed
Over 70 managers and organisations shortlisted for the 14 awards.
Types of building sensors on BD
From biometric to electrical current, chemical and more.
Government mandates detectors in rented homes
Changes are due to come into force on 1st October 2022.
80% of major government projects are rated red or amber
Heed advice and insight of this report IPA tells the government.
The end of the games but continued calls for action
From the Commonwealth Association of Architects.
CIOB respond to the government call for evidence
For the Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Committee.
How are buildings and their occupants responding to extreme heat?
BSRIA's Technical Director reflects on recent weather patterns.
Landownership in England in 1909
A national valuation to fund old-age pensions.
The world’s largest Commonwealth memorial to the missing.
Long after the end of the defects liability period.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing in buildings.
Geometric form and buildings in brief
From the simple to the complex.
Understanding the changing nature of insulation
And the UK Government guidelines.
Three year action plan to improve equity, diversity and inclusion
Commitment agreed to by major built environment bodies.
The Construction Route – what needs to change?
Electrical skills, low carbon, high-tech and the building services revolution.
Deep geothermal power possibilities
Ultra-deep drilling with millimeter-wave beam technology.
BSRIA Briefing 2022- From the outside looking in
Looking at the built environment from space.
Competence requirements for principal contractors and designers
BSI standards 8671, 8672 and 8673.
Bringing life to burial grounds.
From failed modernism to twenty-minute neighbourhoods.
Design chill and design freeze
The gates process and change control.