Repair of Bandstand, East Parade

Bexhill Heritage Project

The Bandstand was completed in June 1895. Originally erected by private enterprise and the cost defrayed by public subscription, it was later purchased by Earl De La Warr, who surrounded the stand with an enclosure to add comfort for the public attending band performances. The Bexhill Observer reported in March 1904 that “in view of the many complaints from subscribers and visitors of the the discomfort caused by traffic and strong winds, Earl De La Warr has decided to convert the bandstand into a shelter”.

A clip from the film Bexhill Mini Holiday (1968) showing the exterior of the shelter (no audio):

Bexhill Heritage is working with Rother District Council to help out with completing the repairs to the shelter. Work began in early November 2020.

Update 3 – May 2022

All old paint has been removed from ceiling.
Panels are being repaired and remade.
Floor replaced.
New maintenance hatches.
New paint has started to be applied.

Update 2 – August 2021

Old paint on the ceiling has started to be stripped away.
Top panels removed.
Submitted our planning application to Rother District Council.

Update 1 – November 2020

Roadways of Hailsham have donated one day’s labour and equipment to remove the old floor.
Roof tiles have removed and roof slats replaced.
A loft-hatch has been found and opened.
We are in the process of cleaning the roof-space, a lot of the artefacts we’re sifting through date from June 1974. Finds include newspapers, alcoholic beverages, empty cigarette packets, paint cans and the original gas pipes used for lighting.

Initial Condition Survey

Damaged by vandalism
Loose roof tiles
Dry rot in posts
Dry rot in mouldings
Paintwork deteriorated

If you wish to volunteer your time to the project (no experience necessary), please become a member of Bexhill Heritage and drop us an email – we’ll be glad to have you aboard.