{"id":1163622,"date":"2026-08-22T20:47:17","date_gmt":"2026-08-22T20:47:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1163622\/"},"modified":"2026-08-22T20:47:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-22T20:47:17","slug":"vale-park-celebrates-bandstands-100th-birthday-birkenhead-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1163622\/","title":{"rendered":"Vale Park celebrates bandstand\u2019s 100th birthday \u2013 Birkenhead News"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Residents and visitors are invited to join three days of celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of the iconic bandstand in New Brighton\u2019s Vale Park.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The neoclassical-style bandstand was officially opened on 21 August 1926 by Councillor F. Stanley Atkin, Chair of the County Borough of Wallasey\u2019s Parks Committee.<\/p>\n

More than 3,000 people attended the opening day celebrations, which featured a performance by His Majesty\u2019s Royal Air Force Band. It was the first of thousands of brass band and other performances to take place at the venue over the following century, entertaining generations of local people and visitors. Over the years, the bandstand has welcomed a wide range of performers, including household names such as Janice Long, Keith Chegwin and Sonia.<\/p>\n

Councillor Jerry Williams, Wirral Council\u2019s Heritage Champion said,<\/strong> \u201cFor a hundred years, this beautiful bandstand has provided the backdrop to countless happy memories. From summer concerts and dancing to children\u2019s entertainment and community celebrations, it has been a place where generations of local people have come together.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Joytime talent showcase has been a key part of that story since 1953 \u2013 an incredible 73 years. Children who once sat wide-eyed before the stage have grown up to bring their own children and grandchildren, passing on a lovely local tradition from one generation to the next.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is wonderful to see local volunteers coming together to celebrate this important milestone and ensure the bandstand continues to play a central role in community life for many years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Vale Park bandstand is one of around 1,500 bandstands built in parks and seaside resorts across Britain during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were created to provide affordable entertainment, encourage healthier lifestyles and offer opportunities for communities to come together.<\/p>\n

Determined to ensure the centenary did not pass without a proper celebration, a group of New Brighton residents formed the not-for-profit organisation Vale Park Volunteers 2026. The group has organised a programme of free events throughout the anniversary weekend and is working to protect, enhance and celebrate the park and its heritage.<\/p>\n

Chris Cureton, Chair of Vale Park Volunteers 2026 said,<\/strong> \u201cWe\u2019re incredibly proud of what our community has achieved in such a short space of time. Vale Park means so much to so many people, and the bandstand\u2019s 100th anniversary is a moment worth celebrating together.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve put together a fantastic programme of events and activities for all ages and we\u2019re inviting everyone to come along and be part of this special occasion.\u201d<\/p>\n

The park will be specially decorated throughout, and visitors can enjoy community stalls with tombolas and raffles, giant sensory bubbles, and a fancy dress competition on both Saturday and Sunday starting 12 noon.<\/p>\n

Vale Park Volunteers 2026 is also keen to hear from residents and businesses who would like to support its work or get involved with future activities.<\/p>\n

Centenary Celebrations Programme<\/strong><\/p>\n

Saturday 22 August (Free entry):<\/strong>
12 noon to 12.30pm\u00a0 \u00a0 Welcome by host Jason T Richardson<\/p>\n

12.30pm\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Address by the Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Mary Jordan<\/p>\n

1pm to 1.50pm\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Live Band: Hard to Handle<\/p>\n

2pm to 3pm\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Elvis Tribute Show<\/p>\n

3pm to 3.20pm\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Maypole Dancing (Have-a-Go Session)<\/p>\n

3.20pm to 4pm\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Live Band: Stolen Property<\/p>\n

4pm to 4.20pm\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Freedom Dance Movement<\/p>\n

4.20pm to 5pm\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Live Band: Stolen Property<\/p>\n

Sunday 23 August (Free entry):<\/strong>
12 noon to 12.10pm\u00a0 \u00a0Welcome by host Jason T Richardson<\/p>\n

12.10pm to 12.40pm\u00a0 \u00a0Live Music: Tom George<\/p>\n

12.40pm to 1pm\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stage and Dance Group<\/p>\n

1pm to 1.30pm\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Four Poets<\/p>\n

1.30pm to 2pm\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Poetry by Jason T Richardson<\/p>\n

2pm to 3.50pm\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0A Celebration of Swing Music<\/p>\n

4.10pm to 5pm\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Connected Voices Choir<\/p>\n

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