Brighton bandstand set to open (From The Argus)

Brighton bandstand set to open

12:00pm Friday 3rd July 2009 in

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A 125-year-old bandstand restored to its former glory will be opened later this month following £850,000 of building work.

Work began on the Birdcage bandstand on Brighton seafront last year.

The structure, near the West Pier, had previously been left derelict for 35 years.

The project to restore the Grade II listed Victorian landmark has involved reconstructing the bridge, which had been removed in the 1970s, between the bandstand and upper promenade.

The area beneath the bandstand, which housed public toilets, will be run as a cafe by La Fourchette restaurant.

Contractors have carried out other work including restoring copper roofing, grit blasting, restoring and repainting the bandstand’s eight 1.2 tonne pillars and the ornate linking spandrels.

The area surrounding the structure has been landscaped.

Local bands will play at the opening celebrations on July 24 between 8pm and 10pm.

Patcham Silver Band, Brighton Youth Orchestra and Brighton indie-band Gloria Cycles will perform and the evening will end with the building being lit-up.

Funding to rebuild the bandstand has come from council funds.

Money is expected to be recouped by renting out the cafe area and possibly hosting weddings.

Patricia Horne headed the group Save Our Brighton Bandstand whose members campaigned for its restoration. She collected 2,500 signatures calling for its restoration within days of starting the campaign in 2007.

She said: “It was a totally derelict relic of its former glory.

“I’ve been feeling increasingly optimistic as I’ve watched the work being done. They have done a good job of it. I think it’s absolutely delightful.”

The group will continue raising money to enhance the area under the name Friends of Brighton Bandstand.

City Councillor Geoffrey Theobald said: “The completion of the bandstand is a cause for celebration and we look forward to seeing bands performing there once again.

“The final stages of work are now being completed and we will soon be able to see this 'jewel in the seafront crown' in all its former glory.”

Bands will play at the bandstand throughout the summer.