The fine Victorian bandstand in Priory Park was restored in the 1980s by Malvern Civic Society. We now use the bandstand as our logo.
The bandstand was originally erected in 1875. The cast iron railing and iron work were made in Saracen Foundry, Glasgow, to the order of the Bandstand’s manufacturers Walter Macfarlane & Co. Many of the original railings were destroyed over time and have been replaced.
During the 1930s the Malvern Festival was started. The Festival was the brainchild of Sir Barry Jackson with the support of Bernard Shaw and Edward Elgar. The Malvern Festival Theatre, situated on the edge of Priory Park, was described at the time as ‘a theatre in a garden’. Bands played a variety of light music using the bandstand.
After WWII the bandstand was re-sited in Victoria Park in Malvern Link. In the 1970s, it was proposed that it should be returned to its former home in Priory Park. The move was finally achieved in the mid 1980s. The initialled bricks around the base of the bandstand were purchased by individuals to raise the money needed for the move.
The bandstand has greatly enhanced Priory Park.Once again, it is the venue where locals and visitors can come and enjoy music in the ‘garden’.
Bands in the Park
Throughout the Summer the Malvern Civic Society supports a programme of Sunday afternoon band concerts in the bandstand. Further details of these are available from the town’s Tourist Information Office located in The Lyttelton Well Courtyard, 6 Church Street (close to the Lyttelton Well Bookshop and Cafe).