The Brighton Bandstand
The Brighton Bandstand, also known as The Birdcage and the Bedford Square Bandstand was designed by Borough Engineer Phillip Causton Lockwood in 1883 and manufactured by Walter Macfarlane & Co. of Saracen Foundry in Glasgow.
Constructed in 1884, the Bandstand was designed as part of a project which included landscaped enclosures and covered shelters to improve facilities on the seafront in Brighton and Hove. It was originally intended as a sheltered area for Ladies to rest in and admire the sea views, but soon became host to Bands and Gentlemen.
The Bandstand is a Grade II Listed building and Brighton's last remaining Bandstand. In May 2007 the newly elected Councillors of Brighton and Hove City Council, with the backing of all political parties, agreed to fully fund its renovation.
Following a rigorous selection process by the City Council to ensure that the successful contractor would give the project the care and attention it deserved, the restoration work was started by Cheesmur in September 2008.
Over an 11 month period the roof and cast iron metal super-structure were removed, restored off-site and reconstructed prior to the Grand Opening in July 2009.