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The Friends of Swanage Bandstand

Charity Number 1175077

Swanage Bandstand was originally excavated in 1923
by the young men who had survived the First World
War - as a way of benefiting their mental health.

This is a rather unique Bandstand because it is
sunken and only very few were constructed this way.
They also constructed the stone walls that still
surround it.

The structure itself was built by Walter Macfarlane
and Company of Glasgow, who were the leading
manufacturers of cast iron at the time, and is
believed to be one of only four model 224 that still
survive today.

During a severe storm in 2011 / 2012 the Bandstand
sustained considerable damage and, as a
consequence, deteriorated quite quickly.

In 2017 Swanage Town Council issued a statement
that they were considering dismantling the remains
and filling in the area, which caused a public outcry
from locals and visitors alike; hence the forming of
The Friends of Swanage Bandstand, who very
quickly gained public support, charity status and the
money to completely restore the Bandstand and
surround - as can be seen today.

It was opened on 2nd August 1923, exactly 100 years
to the day of this concert.

We hope to see you all there on the day.
Alan Houghton