COMEDIAN and actor Eddie Izzard says her beloved hometown venue will “fight on” after its bandstand was destroyed by Storm Eunice.

The De La Warr Pavilion Bandstand in Bexhill suffered “irrecoverable” damage during the storm last week.

It came after a rare red weather warning was placed on Sussex, with gusts of wind reaching 122mph in some areas of the UK.

The Argus: The De La Warr Pavilion Bandstand in Bexhill suffered “irrecoverable” damage during Storm Eunice The De La Warr Pavilion Bandstand in Bexhill suffered “irrecoverable” damage during Storm Eunice

A De La Warr Pavilion spokeswoman said: “Luckily no-one was hurt but unfortunately the damage to the bandstand is irrecoverable.

“There is no damage to the actual building and no shows are affected at this stage.”

Eddie Izzard, a long-time resident of Bexhill, said the venue will continue to host shows.

“It’s very sad that our bandstand has been badly damaged by Storm Eunice,” she said.

“But the Bexhill De La Warr Pavilion will fight on and our commitment to host world class arts and entertainment will continue no matter what the elements throw at us."

The Argus: Eddie Izzard Eddie Izzard

The performer relocated to Bexhill at the age of seven after the death of her mother.

In an interview with Zoe Ball last year, Eddie revealed he even used to work at the De La Warr Pavilion.

“I worked on the self-service cafe in the 70s, but it was kind of a dying venue then and now it’s a great niche venue,” she said.

The venues famous bandstand was installed 20 years ago and was a popular attraction for visitors and tourists to the town.

The architecture was designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects in conversation with Bexhill school children, and had a number of names including The Whale Tail, the Sea Shell and The Heart.

The spokeswoman for the venue continued: “Awarded the Regional RIBA Prize in 2002, the bandstand has been at heart of our most democratic of spaces – the south terrace – and platformed international artists such as Eddie Izzard, Keane and Jeremy Deller’s Acid Brass.

“It has been a springboard for first outings for local bands that became famous such as Mumm-Ra, and our many talented community choirs, musicians and groups.

“We invite you to share with us your stories of the bandstand – whether you appeared on it, danced in front of it, sat in a deckchair listening to music, had your wedding photograph taken on it, or were one of the original schoolchildren who helped design it – any memory or photograph to celebrate 20 years of the bandstand being part of our story would be fantastic to see.”