MUSIC lovers in the Vale can look forward to a season of free al fresco entertainment with the return of the popular series of live concerts in the heart of Evesham.
Bands in the Park, sponsored by the town council, will see regular Sunday concerts performed at the bandstand in Abbey Park, starting June through to the end of August.
The lineup will see a range of the region’s silver, brass, and concert bands from Cheltenham to Coventry play a repertoire of familiar classics and modern tunes.
A new season of open-air concerts is coming to Evesham. Picture by Marcus Mingins 1925005MMR
This year, however, kicks off with an extra special, additional afternoon of entertainment on Sunday, May 25, to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day with the Derek Bruce/Wells Swing Band in collaboration with living history show Wartime in the Vale.
Organised by Sarah Wells in honour of her late father, who was a very familiar figure on the regional banding scene, the festivities start at 1.30pm with songs by drag artist Queera Lynn and singer Clive Millward.
Then at 2.30pm, the band of 17 musicians led by Nick Smith will play for visitors a series of forties era classics from Glenn Miller, such as ‘Moonlight Serenade’ and ‘In the Mood’.
Nick, who told the Observer he first stood on the bandstand at the age of eight with the now-defunct Evesham Town Silver Band, said: “I am looking forward to entertaining the crowds and enjoying an afternoon of fun.”
There will also be military vehicles on display, vintage dancing, a pig roast and refreshment stands.
Town clerk Jo Adams added: “We’re really looking forward to the 2025 season. There will be twelve fantastic afternoons of live brass music, completely free for residents and visitors to enjoy. It’s wonderful to see people of all ages relaxing in the park, enjoying the performances.
“We’re especially looking forward to kicking off the season with a VE Day-themed extravaganza organised by Sarah – it promises to be a fantastic start to a summer of music.”
Concerts (apart from May 25) start at 2.30pm throughout the summer, with no bands on June 22 and August 3.
Evesham’s very own AvonBank Brass will take to the stand on June 29, whilst the season ends with Stour Concert Brass from Shipston on August 24.
See eveshamtowncouncil.gov.uk/bands-in-the-park/ for full schedule.
