Hundreds of people show their support for Melton's Bandstand concert tradition

Melton Mowbray Town Estate has traditionally staged a season of band concerts there throughout the summer but the usual programme was cancelled this year due to what the Town Estate said was the rising cost of paying for bands and staff to manage them, as well as dwindling crowds in previous years.

Sunday’s concert – which was the only one to be staged this year – showed there is a huge appetite for the full summer season to be restored with up to 400 estimated to be in attendance.

Children, adults and pensioners clapped along to tunes like The Great Escape, Sweet Caroline and the James Bond theme music.

Several members of other Leicestershire bands which have played at the Bandstand in the past were there to show their support.

And, afterwards, the Town Estate confirmed that discussions will take place to see how the tradition can be revived, perhaps with the help of sponsors.

After Sunday’s concert, Stephen Gardener, chair of The Melton Band, told the Melton Times: “Members of the Melton Band were absolutely delighted with the fantastic turnout for Sunday's bandstand concert in Melton Town Park.

“With sunshine throughout the afternoon, it was wonderful to see so many people relaxing and enjoying picnics with family and friends while listening to the music.

“The band would like to thank everyone who came along and helped create such a warm and enjoyable atmosphere.

“It was particularly lovely to see familiar faces from several other local bands that were unable to perform at the bandstand this year.

“Their support was greatly appreciated and highlighted the strong sense of community within the local banding movement.”

The Bandstand has been a feature of Melton’s New Park for 118 years and bands have entertained audiences there ever since.

On the future of the Melton’s summer season, Stephen added: “The continued enthusiasm shown by concert-goers demonstrates just how much the bandstand programme is valued by residents and visitors alike.

“The Melton Band sincerely hopes that the full programme of Bandstand concerts will be reinstated next summer, allowing more bands the opportunity to perform and ensuring that these popular community events can continue to flourish.

“Sunday's excellent attendance and positive feedback show that there remains a strong appetite for live brass band music in Melton, and the band looks forward to entertaining audiences again in the future.”

Graham Bett, chair of Melton Mowbray Town Estate, commented: “We understand how important the bands are to the community and were touched to see how much Melton wanted to protect that tradition.

"When we realised we were unable to fund the remaining bands for 2026, we had to make the hard decision to reduce the summer calendar.”

He added: “Sunday's concert was an encouraging success.

"The messages of positive support and potential sponsorship of the concerts are very welcome.

"We are looking forward to discussing a practical way forward with the Melton Band in the very near future.”

You can email [email protected] for information on how you can support future bandstand events via sponsorship or donations.