Bowie Bandstand
The bandstand was erected in 1905, designed by the McCallum and Hope Iron Foundry, Glasgow. It is believed to be the only surviving McCallum and Hope bandstand in the UK. As of 2024, the bandstand is being restored.
On 16 August 1969, David Bowie helped organise, compere and perform at a free festival based at the bandstand. The structure began to be referred to as the "Bowie Bandstand" in the years following David Bowie's death as part of efforts to raise funds for restoration. The one-day festival has been revived as Bowie's Beckenham Oddity in recent years. Contrary to a BBC article about the restoration, there is no evidence that the festival has been run annually since it was established or that the current festival has any connection to Bowie's 1969 effort.
References
- ^ Historic England. "Bowie Bandstand, Croydon Road Recreation Ground (1465007)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
- ^ "David Bowie's Beckenham bandstand gets Grade II listed status". BBC. 16 August 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
- ^ "Bandstand where David Bowie once performed crowned". South London News. 19 February 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
