The Leas Bandstand - Folkestone, Kent, UK
N 51° 04.521 E 001° 10.255
31U E 371866 N 5659795
This eight-sided bandstand has been recently refurbished and probably looks nearly as good as it did when new.
Waymark Code: WMCW2Y
Location: South East England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 10/17/2011
Views: 5
There are several plaques attached to the outside of the bandstand with the majority to commemorate people with a Folkestone connection. There is one plaque to mark the bandstand's re-opening that reads:
"This bandstand was formally re-opened / on 15th December 2006 / by / Councillor Rober Bliss, / Leader of Shepway District Council / and Kent County Councillor / and / Lesley Finlay, / Publishing Director of Kent Regional Newspapers. / The banstand's restoration was funded by / Shepway District Council and Kent County Council / and supported by readers of the Folkestone Herald."
Close by, there is an information board that reads:
"The Bandstand
It's here to stay...
Something missing?
Folkestone had been a resort for the wealthy since Victorian times with grand villas and hotels being built to take advantage of the magnificent sea views. Promenading on The Leas and taking the sea air was a major pastime. But something was missing...
Must have music
No Victorian resort would have been complete without music and Folkestone was no exception with plenty of bands, both private and military, visiting to 'give the promenaders much pleasure'.
A long time coming
It's hard to believe now but it took over forty years to agree funding to build the bandstand. Many people objected to the idea, complaining that it would ruin the views of the sea. The Borough Council eventually decided to levy a one penny rate to raise funds which also caused much anger as working class residents were barred from The Leas and so would never be able to enjoy the thing that they had helped to pay for!
Despite the complaints building started in 1894 with the cast iron structure being made at Elmbank Foundry in Glasgow and erected by builders, Messrs Allen & Co. Opening in 1895 it has been in service for more than a hundred years.
Back in business
After such a long time in its highly exposed position by 2006 the bandstand had deteriorated substantially. The idea that such a popular landmark of The Leas could be lost was unthinkable and with funding from Shepway District Council it has now been totally rebuilt and will hopefully remain for another hundred years."
Seating Type: No Seating
Location: The Leas - a promenade along Folkestone's cliff tops.
Materials Used: Metal
Other Material Used: Stone for the base and wood for the roof.
|
Visit Instructions:
A clear photo of the gazebo would be nice. Tell about your experience there.