Bowie Bandstand Explained

The Bowie Bandstand is a listed building in Croydon Road Recreation Ground, a public park in Beckenham in the London Borough of Bromley.

The bandstand was erected in 1905, designed by the McCallum and Hope Iron Foundry, Glasgow. It is believed to be the only surviving McCallum and Hope bandstand in the UK.[1] As of 2024, the bandstand is being restored.[2]

On 16 August 1969, David Bowie helped organise, compere and perform at the Growth summer festival,[3] a free music event based at the bandstand.[1] The structure has been called the "Bowie Bandstand" by fans.[3] A one-day festival called "Bowie's Beckenham Oddity" has been held several times in the park, celebrating Bowie's life and legacy.[3]

References

51.4035°N -0.0345°W

Notes and References

  1. News: David Bowie's Beckenham bandstand gets Grade II listed status . 16 August 2019 . BBC . 16 August 2019.
  2. Web site: 2024-02-19 . Bandstand where David Bowie once performed crowned . 2024-03-13 . South London News . en-GB.
  3. News: Davies . Caroline . David Bowie's festival bandstand gets Grade II listing . 20 November 2024 . The Guardian . 15 August 2019.