Crowds of people have danced and sung their way through the summer thanks to a series of free concerts at Dorking’s new community bandstand.
Music in Meadowbank was in full swing in Meadowbank Park every Sunday afternoon during the summer months, with audiences of all ages enjoying jazz, classical, folk, big band, choirs and more.
The concert series was organised by Dorking Bandstand Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), which formed in 2021 in tribute to the work of the NHS, key workers and volunteers and as a memorial to the lives lost during the Covid-19 pandemic. Local musician Stephen Williams wanted to honour those people and give the town a new outdoor music and performance venue.
Thanks to the support of local businesses, including Taylor Wimpey South Thames, his dream became a reality when the bandstand opened earlier this year. Thousands of people have since enjoyed music in the park from June through to September.
The homebuilder, which is building new homes in Dorking at the Sondes Meadows development, put a £1,000 donation towards a performance by the Allegra Concert Band during the summer.
Ian Mason, Volunteer for Dorking Bandstand CIO, said: “On behalf of the Trustees of the Dorking Pandemic Memorial Community Bandstand, I would like to thank all of our sponsors for their support, which has enabled us to promote a fabulous first ever Music in Meadowbank programme this year.
“Stephen’s vision has truly been brought to life thanks to his hard work and the help of the Dorking community and it’s great to see the bandstand being used each Sunday. It has quickly become an established feature of Meadowbank Park and we love seeing the crowds enjoying the music.”
Leon McGinty, Acting Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey South Thames, said: “We’re very proud to be supporting the Dorking community by helping to fund this amazing series of concerts at the new bandstand.
“Having spaces like this, where people can gather, enjoy great music and spend time together is so important, and we all remember what it was like during the pandemic when that wasn’t possible. It’s great to know that the concerts have been such a success this year and we look forward to seeing many future performances.”
You can follow the link to learn more about the new bandstand: https://www.dorkingbandstand.com/
