Description

Wealden Brass is an amateur brass band.

The band was formed in February 1979 and held its first practice at Vines Cross church on 6th March 1979. Starting with just six playing members, they were collectively known as Vines Cross Modern Brass.

In 1980 the band moved to Hailsham and began rehearsing at Marshland School. During that year, the band membership increased four-fold to twenty four members and the name was changed to Hailsham and Vines Cross Modern Brass.

In October 1982, the band moved to Union Corner Hall in Hawks Road, Hailsham and has rehearsed there ever since.

In 1997 the band changed its name to Wealden Brass and now regularly performs throughout East Sussex including Eastbourne Bandstand. The band has built up an enviable reputation for entertaining concerts under the musical directorship of Mr David Padget, who was elected into the post in 1998. The band continues to grow from strength to strength thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of each and every member (and the loyal support of the public of course) and looks forward to providing another season of entertainment.

Description

The Busiest Bandstand in the UK offering a variety of live musical entertainment with over 140 events each year; from Tribute Shows to 1812 Firework concerts to kids entertainment.

The current bandstand was built in 1935, with its unique semi-circular design and blue domed roof; there is no other like it in the United Kingdom.

It has a main arena, middle and upper balconies and seats for 1,400.

The building of the Bandstand formed part of the main seafront improvements, cost £28,000 to construct and was surmounted with a stainless steel spire. The project engineer was Leslie Rosevere.

The first concerts were given on the 28th July 1935 with a total of 10,400 attending all three concerts and paying 3d each. The Bandstand was officially opened on the 5th August 1935 by the Lord Lieutenant of the county, Lord Leconfield with an audience of 8,000.

For many years the Bandstand has played host to a full programme of concerts and has survived as a musical entertainment venue because of its ever-changing programme, introducing new audiences and new entertainments without forgetting the more popular traditional concerts.

Bad Weather Policy
The stage and parts of the venue are undercover and on average 98% of performances go ahead. Refunds will not be given due to inclement weather unless the event or concert is cancelled by the management.
If a concert or event is cancelled by the management due to adverse weather or any other exceptional circumstances before half of the scheduled concert has taken place then a refund will be offered. Refunds must be claimed with 14 days of the scheduled performance.

Eastbourne Bandstand is a multi-level venue with a maximum licenced capacity of 1600. The main arena can hold a maximum of 700 for a seated event. The middle balcony can hold a maximum of 600 and the upper balcony (no disabled access) can seat a maximum of 300

Access for wheelchair-users is via the promenades; lower and middle. If you have any special access requirements please let us know in advance.

Grand Parade,

Eastbourne,

East Sussex,

England,

BN21 3AD.