Rush to repair Reading's historic bandstand
Council say they hope it'll be restored by the time important events take place to mark the Abbey's 900th Anniversary and the memorial for the Forbury garden terror attacks
Last updated 8th Jun 2021
Repairs to Reading's historic bandstand in Forbury gardens should be complete by the time the Reading terror attack memorial service takes place in just over ten days time.
Currently it's surrounded in scaffolding and safety tape.
It became the centre piece for floral tributes after last year's terror attack.
The Forbury gardens will also be extensively used the day before the memorial service as 'WaterFest' celebrates the 900th Anniversary of Reading Abbey.
A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said:
“Following the discovery of dry rot in a section of the bandstand’s timber columns, the Council placed an order in the Spring for specialised restoration of the section by experts in the field of period building repairs and who have worked on the bandstand previously. Unfortunately, in the intervening period before works could begin the column was significantly vandalised on May 25th, which meant support was put in place to make it safe pending the restoration.
“The specialist company is finalising the production of the replacement section. Work is expected to begin this week and, barring any unforeseen issues, it is expected to be complete by the end of next week, in advance of both the 900th Anniversary of the Abbey celebration on the 19th and the remembrance service in the Forbury on June 20th.”
You can find out more about the memorial service by clicking here