Celebrating 125 Years of Music in Abington Park: A Community Event

Strategic Insights -

This year, the community of Northampton is coming together to celebrate a remarkable milestone - 125 years of live music performances in Abington Park's bandstand. The event, hosted by NLive Radio and powered by The Park Café, promises a day of local music, activities, and entertainment for all ages. Councillor Keith Holland-Delamere, member of the Community Services Committee, said that the council wanted to mark this significant milestone with a celebration featuring local music and stalls, along with traditional Maypole dancing, art activities, and more.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 'Bands in the Park' programme, run by Northampton Town Council, features live music performances every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday between April and September.
  • The programme includes a mix of traditional brass bands, choirs, singers, and modern bands from Northampton and surrounding areas.
  • The current line-up includes performances by the Nene Valley Community Band, Northampton Sings Choir, Abington Wind Band, and Similar Jones, among others.
  • Visitors can enjoy various activities off the bandstand, including Maypole dancing, community canvas painting, face painting, balloon modeling, magic, and juggling.
  • Local historian Douglas Goddard has curated an archive of heritage photographs and imagery relating to Abington Park and the historic bandstand, which will be on display in the park and on the Northampton Town Council website.
  • The event is a celebration of the community's love for music and a testament to the enduring spirit of live performances in the park's bandstand.

Statistics:

  • The 'Bands in the Park' programme has been running for 125 years, with the first performance taking place in 1900.
  • The programme includes a mix of traditional and modern bands, showcasing the diversity of local talent.
  • Over 10 local bands have been scheduled to perform in the past year alone as part of the program.
  • The event is expected to attract hundreds of visitors from across Northampton and surrounding areas.
  • The Northampton Town Council has partnered with The Park Café and NLive Radio to bring this event to the community.

Sources:

  • Northampton Town Council
  • The Park Café
  • NLive Radio
  • Douglas Goddard (local historian)
  • Councillor Keith Holland-Delamere (Northampton Town Council)