Following the tragic fire at the iconic bandstand last week, the Leader of Harlow Council, Councillor Dan Swords, has set out the path ahead for the rebuilt bandstand – making clear the council will deliver on its promise to rebuild the bandstand for next summer.
Immediately following the fire, the council worked with the emergency services to make the site safe and secure. Safety checks, fencing and clearance works have already begun to ensure the area remains safe for the public while the council moves forward with plans for the bandstand’s future.
To show that the spirit of music and community will never be lost in Harlow, Cllr Dan Swords has today announced that a special “See You Soon” music event will take place on Sunday 19 October 2025 from 1pm-7pm outside the bandstand. The event will feature local bands and musicians, celebrating the town’s musical talent and bringing people together as we look ahead to the bandstand’s return. The event will be free to attend, and local musicians and groups are encouraged to contact events@harlow.gov.uk if they wish to take part.
On Friday morning, Cllr Swords also pledged that the council would “rebuild the bandstand ready for next summer” and he has today set out the process for doing so.
The steps to rebuilding the bandstand:
- Clear and secure the site – The area will be made safe and cleared, with protective hoardings installed. These will feature historic photos of the bandstand in its heyday, celebrating its legacy while work takes place.
- Appoint an architect – A specialist architect will be chosen to design a new bandstand that honours its heritage and iconic look; while ensuring it is modern, accessible, and capable of hosting major events and concerts.
- Involve the community – Residents will be invited to share their ideas, memories, and suggestions to help shape the design and ensure the new bandstand reflects the heart of Harlow.
- Appoint a contractor – A contractor will be selected to carry out the rebuild, working closely with the council and architect to deliver the project.
- Design the new bandstand – Working with the architect, contractor, and community feedback, detailed designs will be drawn up to balance heritage with modern needs.
- Secure planning permission – The necessary planning applications will be submitted and approved to allow work to begin.
- Rebuild the bandstand – Construction will begin on the new bandstand, restoring a landmark that will once again be a focal point for music and community life.
- Celebrate the reopening – Once complete, the bandstand will be unveiled with a special launch event to mark its return and new chapter in Harlow’s history.
Commenting, Cllr Swords said:
“The fire at the bandstand was a tragic moment for our town, but it has only strengthened our resolve to rebuild it quickly and make it even better. The ‘See You Soon’ event will be a powerful symbol that music and community spirit in Harlow cannot be stopped – it will bring us all together to look forward with hope.
“Our teams have worked around the clock to deal with the immediate challenges, and I want to sincerely thank them. Now, it should also be clear to residents, that we are already moving at pace with clear steps in place to rebuild the bandstand by next summer, and the community will be involved every step of the way. This is about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about restoring a place that belongs to the people of Harlow and ensuring it continues to bring joy for generations to come.
“And when it is rebuilt, residents can look forward to a return of significant events and concerts from next summer – allowing tens of thousands of residents to create new memories, just like tens of thousands of residents did in years gone by.”