Bandstand Restoration Project

As at 1st April 2021 £159,000 from events, donations, bricks etc. £85,000 pledged by London Borough of Bromley

Since its opening in 1891 by Tom Thornton, the owner and editor of the Beckenham Journal, the bandstand has been part of the rich and varied history of this popular park. The structure was used by Beckenham’s Harold Bride, the junior wireless officer on the ocean liner RMS Titanic, to address cheering crowds in the park and has witnessed civic and royal ceremonies, balloon flights and flower shows which rivalled Chelsea in popularity.

Bowie Bandstand restoration appeal

Efforts to restore the historic bandstand where David Bowie performed at the Beckenham Arts Lab Growth Summer Festival in 1969 are being redoubled following the desperate news of his passing in January. The Bowie Bandstand, once restored, is planned to not only become a permanent and fitting tribute to a superstar musician admired and missed by millions, but hopefully a site where future legends might also one day cut their teeth as well.

The Council is continuing to work closely with the magnificent Friends of Croydon Road Recreation Ground and other local partners to raise the funds still needed, which has already been backed by many supporters. You can help restore the bandstand by making a cash donation towards the Bowie Bandstand restoration project. Please visit our donation page to make your contribution via the London Borough of Bromley. Donors will have the opportunity to leave a memorial message and print a certificate to mark their gift.

The findings of the initial survey carried out in September 2013 can be viewed here

Sample pictures from the survey report

Bowie bandstand restoration appeal
Plans for restored bandstand:

Bandstand plan (pdf)
Bandstand elevation and sections (pdf)