Eastbourne Bandstand: Summer season of shows gets the go-ahead
Eastbourne Borough Council has confirmed that a full summer season of shows will go ahead at the Bandstand, with tickets now on sale for the first show on May 1.
The news follows load testing and assessment by engineers on key sections of the structure, with the support of Historic England.
Eastbourne Borough Council stated the engineers’ findings will guide the scope of the essential repairs required to enable the reopening and measures to maintain public safety.
Councillor Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said: “I made a promise that the Bandstand would reopen for the summer season, and I’d like to thank our partners for helping to ensure that this will happen.
“We all know that the Bandstand is a hugely important attraction for our town, and now my efforts, and that of this council is focused on securing its long-term future.”
The news follows updates relating to the Environment Agency defence works as well as the government’s £1.5bn culture fund.
Cllr Holt continued: “I am also grateful to our MP, Josh Babarinde, who has championed the Bandstand in Parliament. As a result of our joint lobbying, in November the government announced that the benefits of heritage, tourism and leisure would be included as part of central government funding project appraisals for flood defences.”
A fireworks display will accompany Bandstand favourite Large 90s, followed by weekend shows featuring Rubix 80s, Eastbourne Silver Band and One Vision Queen Tribute during the launch event in May.
Councillor Jenny Williams, Cabinet Member for Tourism, said: “There is a growing sense of momentum and excitement around the creation of the new Seafront Executive Board, the Bandstand conservation strategy we are developing with Historic England and the examination of all funding options, including the bid we will make to the government’s new £1.5 billion culture fund which was first announced in January.
“As a result of this new funding opportunity and following consultation with Historic England, we have concluded that it is more suitable to undertake less invasive works this year and support the Bandstand with a solution that ensures it is open for this summer.”
The council added it is estimated that a full restoration would cost in the region of £12 million.