The bandstand at Bray was originally situated at Herbert Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin in 1907 during the Irish International Exhibition. After the exhibition closed, three bandstands were purchased by the Town Clerk of Bray Urban District Council to be placed on Bray esplanade.
One of the smaller bandstands was placed opposite the railway crossing (at Quinsborough Road junction), another was placed where the present bandstand is now and the third opposite Lacy’s Hotel (The Esplanade Hotel). The Northern bandstand opposite to the railway crossing was known as the ‘Day Bandstand’, the existing bandstand was called the ‘Evening Bandstand’ and the small bandstand at Lacy’s was reserved for visiting variety shows. Only the 'Evening Bandstand survives.Like many Victorian bandstands, it is octagonal in shape and has decorative cast-iron columns that support a copper clad roof.
The Bray bandstands were formally opened on July 18, 1908 before 4,000 people; 11th Hussars, Scotch and Lancashire Fusiliers Bands and several Dublin vocalists also engaged.
We shall be on a whistle-stop trip, with our primary goal being GC43. Come and join us for a quick hello, exchange of adventures and TBs.