Less than a year after the devastating fire which destroyed Harlow’s iconic Town Park bandstand, its spectacular replacement is complete – delivering on the promise to rebuild bigger, better and more ambitious than ever before.
The finishing touches have now been completed on the landmark new bandstand, ready to welcome tens of thousands of residents for the return of the Town Show this weekend.
Combining Harlow’s proud heritage with its future, the new bandstand features natural stone, a striking steel frontage, a living green roof and original bricks salvaged from the former bandstand and built into the new structure.
It also has a significantly larger, fully accessible stage, new backstage facilities and state-of-the-art sound, lighting and power infrastructure – allowing Harlow to host major concerts, performances and community events in the heart of the town.
The completion marks an extraordinary turnaround following the fire in September 2025.
The very next morning, Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, stood alongside the burnt-out remains and promised residents that the bandstand would be rebuilt bigger and better, with the music returning and the new venue ready for summer 2026.
Residents helped shape the designs, planning permission was secured and construction began – with the entire project delivered in less than a year.
Announcing the completion, Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:
“Less than a year ago, I stood amongst the burnt-out remains of our bandstand and made Harlow a promise: we would rebuild it bigger, better and more ambitious than ever before – and have it ready for this summer.
“Today, that promise has been delivered.
“Our new bandstand is absolutely spectacular. It is bigger, fully accessible and equipped to host major events, while being a beautiful new landmark for our Town Park.
“I could not be prouder of the incredible teams who have made this happen. People have worked day and night to deliver what we promised, at extraordinary pace and to an exceptional standard. They deserve enormous credit for what they have achieved for our town.
“But this is about much more than a building. It says something about Harlow – that we are proud of our town, ambitious about its future and determined to create beautiful places and brilliant experiences that bring thousands of us together.
“Generations made memories at the old bandstand. Now a new generation will make theirs here – watching incredible performances, singing, dancing and celebrating together.
“We promised to rebuild. We promised to bring the music back. We delivered.
“The bandstand is back. Harlow is ready. And our next chapter is only just beginning.
“When I say we’re Building Harlow’s Future, I mean it.”
The new bandstand will immediately take centre stage for the return of the Harlow Town Show this Bank Holiday weekend, before hosting Proms in the Park with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra on Saturday 19 September.
A Harlow landmark reborn. Huge events. New memories.