Cllr Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:
“At 1am this morning, our council teams, alongside the police and fire service, were alerted to a serious fire at the Town Park Bandstand. Together, they worked tirelessly through the night to tackle the fire, and I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone involved for their swift and dedicated response.
“This is a heartbreaking incident. The bandstand was not just a structure, but an iconic part of our town’s heritage – a place where generations have gathered, celebrated, and created lasting memories. To see it destroyed in this way is truly devastating.
“Right now, our immediate priority is to establish the cause of the fire and ensure all urgent safety matters are addressed. But let me be absolutely clear: this is not the end of the bandstand. We will rebuild it – fully, proudly, and with purpose. And we will bring back the events and celebrations that gave it life, so that thousands of residents can once again enjoy this cherished landmark at the heart of our town.
“Further information will be made available as soon as possible, but I kindly ask that residents do not visit the area and allow us the space to deal with this tragic incident fully.”