Reimagining Bromley’s ‘Bowie Bandstand’

Join us as we showcase the restoration process and engage with visitors to 'Reimagine' the future of Bromley’s much loved Grade II Listed Edwardian Bandstand in Croydon Road Recreation Ground, Beckenham.

Built by McCallum & Hope Ltd of Glasgow, the elegant Edwardian bandstand, believed to be installed in 1905, is a rare example of cast iron work, notable for the quality of its design, with the execution believed to be the only remaining example on Britain. It holds an historical association with one of Beckenham’s most famous residents, David Bowie who played at the bandstand at Growth Summer Festival in 1969 which was organised by the musician himself and The Beckenham Arts Laboratory. This has led to the bandstand being known locally by some as the ‘Bowie Bandstand’.

The bandstand which has recently been newly restored, is a permanent and fitting tribute to a superstar musician admired and missed by millions, and also hopefully a site where future legends might also one day cut their teeth as well.