Restoration of Bromley’s much loved Bowie Bandstand is now nearing completion. The bandstand’s crown has been restored and gilded with funding from HOLT – with thanks to Knight Frank for their generous support.
The £245k project for the bandstand, where David Bowie famously performed in 1969, included restoring its intricate ironwork, landscaping improvements and upgraded lighting that can be used for performances.
Bromley Councillor Will Rowlands commented: “I’d like to sincerely thank Heritage of London Trust for their support and additional grant as well as their original monies. Thank you and congratulations should also go to Bowie’s Beckenham Oddity and other Bowie fans who are supporting this work, along with the many community fundraisers, and all of those who have bought a bandstand brick and of course the Friends of Croydon Road Recreation Ground.”
Dr Nicola Stacey, Director, Heritage of London Trust commented: “This is a one-off opportunity to restore a bandstand of significant cultural importance and it is vital that it looks as splendid as possible. We have been delighted to support the conservation work and see the whole corona gilded. Through our engagement work in HOLT’s Proud Places programme local young people have been involved in each exciting stage of the project and especially loved the gilding process.”
The bandstand was installed in 1905 and is a rare example of intricate iron work, with its pattern work and casting the only remaining example in Britain. David Bowie played at the bandstand in the Summer Growth Festival in 1969.
The bandstand will reopen to the public later this spring.