Victorian-style bandstand opens with Lord Mayor praising a top-class asset

In keeping with its Victorian-style design, actors from the Spin Off drama company donned period costumes and visitors who braved winter showers were offered free hot roast chestnuts.

The £80,000 facility in Queens Gardens, paid for by a levy charged to developers for community projects, was formally opened by the Lord Mayor of Hull, Coun Colin Inglis.

He said: “The new bandstand will be a long-term asset for the city and will enhance the musical opportunities we offer. I think it is a considerable achievement in the current climate that we have been able to provide such a top class facility without having to draw on the council’s capital, and I would like to thank everyone involved with the project.”

Trainees from Hull Training helped with the construction of the 18ft high building, which has an elegant, pergola-shaped synthetic copper-effect roof.

It can cater for up to 30 musicians at a time and has been fitted with electricity to allow evening concerts to take place.

The band, which performs at remembrance services, charity dinners and other civic occasions, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.