Hexham Bandstand

About:

Hexham Bandstand is a charming octagonal, Grade II-listed cast‑iron structure located in the Abbey Grounds of Sele Park, just south of Hexham Abbey in Northumberland. Erected in 1912 and gifted by Henry Bell, the bandstand features eight slender cast-iron columns topped with Corinthian capitals and delicate scroll‑work brackets, which support a star-ribbed saucer roof crowned with a pointed finial.

Originally manufactured by MacFarlane Foundry, this elegant pavilion became quite weathered over decades. In 2016, a comprehensive restoration was led by Lost Art, who meticulously dismantled, cleaned, repaired, and reassembled each component, including stitching new iron castings and refurbishing the timber-framed roof clad in zinc. The restoration revived its ornate frieze, arcaded railings, and stone plinth, bringing it back to its Edwardian-era splendour.

Positioned amidst lush lawns, mature trees, and winding paths, the bandstand serves as a central, open-air performance space. During summer months, it bursts into life with live music ranging from brass bands to jazz sessions, often drawing audiences to deck chairs or blankets laid out nearby. It’s administered by the local council and stage-managed by community groups like Core Music CIC, who run regular “Bandstand Sessions” on Sundays and Thursday evenings.

The venue complements the area’s Victorian heritage: the park and Abbey together evoke the era when public bandstands were built to uplift urban life through communal music, inspired by the ‘pleasure gardens’ tradition. From the sound of brass notes echoing under its ribbed ceiling to its ornate silhouette, the bandstand embodies an enduring social and architectural legacy—uniting community, history, and the arts in a quintessentially English park setting.

Today, Hexham Bandstand remains both a picturesque landmark and a beloved cultural hub. Its refurbished beauty and continued use make it a focal point for local gatherings, adding to the vibrant sense of community that characterises Hexham as “England’s favourite market town”.