Mobile bandstand heralds a rural entertainment revolution

South Norfolk Council unveils a revolution in entertainment when its new state-of-the-art mobile bandstand becomes the center of attraction for an outdoor Christmas party.

On Friday (December 19th) Long Stratton tests out the fold-up-and-transport blue bandstand when it celebrates Christmas with an outdoor party.

Once inside its trailer, the bandstand, which has been funded by Arts Council East, can be shipped by car around the district, and next summer will take centre stage in South Norfolk Council’s Southern Broads Cultural Initiative.

Heidi Hadley, Cultural Regeneration Co-ordinator for the Council said: "Summer in the Southern Broads promises to be a cultural treat. We’re planning an exciting and diverse programme packed with events at key waterside sites over the peak visitor period.

"It will feature the best of brass and classical, folk and opera from both professional and community/voluntary groups. Our bandstand will become a focal point drawing water-based visitors to the southern river system. It is designed to be flexible, which means we can also use it to put on entertainment for families, including puppetry and storytelling."

She added: "Although the bandstand is going to be very busy, we will make it available – free – for community groups, so that they can use it to stage additional entertainment at village fetes, fairs and markets."

On Friday, Long Stratton will be doing just that. Between 6pm and 8pm, with the bandstand as the main attraction, villagers will be celebrating Christmas with hot punch, roast chestnuts and some last minute shopping at festive stalls.

There will be music, carols from St Mary’s Church choir, Manor Field Infant School, and the Brownies as well as swinging seasonal rock & roll hits from smARTSound. Father Christmas will be in top gear for the evening, squeezing into a Lamborghini and roaring into the grotto at the Fire Station to hand out presents.

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