Bands In The Park – Stratford-Upon-Avon
VENUE : Peace Memorial Recreation Ground, Stratford-Upon-Avon
LOCATION : On the other side of town from the railway station. Travel by coach is recommended.
TIME : 2.30pm to 4.30pm, Sunday
TRANSPORT LINKS : Coaches run from Victoria to Stratford-Upon-Avon.
The bandstand in Stratford-Upon-Avon is on the opposite side of the town from the railway station, and the coaches will get you much closer. The park is to the East of the town centre, across the bridge.
COMMENTS : Stratford-Upon-Avon is one of the best and most solid band seasons in the Midlands, with a consistent standard. They run the full season, from May to September, which is a huge positive. Regrettably, though, there were gap weeks in 2009.
The park is nothing exceptional, but the town is one of the most aesthetic in the Midlands. Try to get there early if you can.
This park, and the surrounds, are undergoing substantial renovations, so any remarks on the facilities may not be relevant by the time you get there. Used to be notorious for being the worst drying venue in band music, with the area in front of the bandstand often completely flooded.
The biggest problem with Stratford is lack of facilities. As with most seasons, there is no protection against foul weather, and this is another season where, disappointingly, no chairs are provided for the fans. This is another season where the promotion happens at the last minute, and the fixture list is not easy to find.
This is because the season is run by a trust, and not by the Council. The Council do not even put the list on their website which is disappointing.
MARK : 7/10
WHAT STRATFORD-UPON-AVON COULD DO TO IMPROVE : Provide seating for the fans. Provide a back up indoor venue to prevent rainouts. Improve park facilities to prevent the flooding which causes so much chaos (this may be being done right now). The Council should be helping the trust by promoting the events.
THE 2010 SEASON
For a list of fixtures, CLICK HERE
Please note : This link goes to a third party site, and not to the site of either the local council or the trust which administers the season.