Burnley town centre bandstand moving to Padiham

But it will not be going very far as the bandstand’s new home is Memorial Park in Padiham.

The Friends of Memorial Park group made a bid to bring the bandstand to the park to celebrate the centenary of the First World War. Both Padiham Town Council and Burnley Council are among a variety of organisations who have donated towards funding the massive re-location project which could cost up to £30,000.

The bandstand is moving as part of the major face-lift for Burnley town centre which will see the whole area re-developed with the aim of making the pedestrianised area of St James’s Street, between Hammerton Street and the bandstand, more attractive.

The work will include new paving, new street furniture such as benches and decorative lighting, and a revised “town square” area for future events such as food markets and the Christmas lights switch on.

Speaking about the “coup” for Padiham, Mrs Carol Stinton who is chairman of the Friends of Memorial Park, said: “I am thrilled and delighted that the bandstand is coming to Memorial Park.

“The park was built in honour of those who gave their lives in the First World War so we wanted to do something really special to mark the anniversary.”

The bandstand, which has stood outside Mc Donald’s restaurant for several years, will be sited on the area known as the dais, an outdoor stage area, that is surrounded by stepped style seating. The Friends group holds concerts and other events at the site throughout the year but having a covered stage area will give them more scope for a wider variety of entertainment.

Carol added: “We cannot guarantee the weather in this country but we will now be able to offer covered shelter for brass bands to play. It will make such a difference to this park and will enable us to attract a wider range of theatre groups to come and perform here.”

A Burnley Council engineer has drawn up designs for the re-installation of the bandstand and cash for the project is also coming from the Padiham Town Centre budget.

The Friends group has also made bids to the Ward Opportunities Fund and the Hameldon Windfarm scheme.

They are also asking for any companies, organisations or individuals who wish to sponsor the bandstand. Carol said: “The part they sponsor will be named after them. It is an ideal opportunity for a local business to have their name here forever.”

Memorial Park has been a holder of the prestigious Green Flag for several years. The Friends group works to promote and improve the park and recent achievements include opening a visitor centre.

Carol said: “The park has a lot to offer and it is at the heart of the community of Padiham. We have the play area, orchards, bowling green and tennis courts and we feel lucky to have this great facility in the town. I have been bringing my children here since they were babies and I now bring my grandchilden.”

The bandstand is moving as part of the major face-lift for Burnley town centre which will see the whole area re-developed with the aim of making the pedestrianised area of St James’s Street, between Hammerton Street and the bandstand, more attractive.

The work will include new paving, new street furniture such as benches and decorative lighting, and a revised “town square” area for future events such as food markets and the Christmas lights switch on.