Pier Bandstand, Weymouth facts for kids
The Pier Bandstand Weymouth is a famous building located on the coast of Weymouth Bay in Dorset, England. It was once a large, impressive structure where people gathered for fun. Today, only part of the original building remains, but it still welcomes visitors.
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History of the Pier Bandstand
The Pier Bandstand was built between 1938 and 1939. It cost about £35,000, which was a lot of money back then! A designer named V.J. Wenning created the plans. His design was chosen from 26 different ideas.
Building work started in January 1938. The company Christiani Neilson hired local people to help. The bandstand officially opened on May 25, 1939. The Mayor of Weymouth, J.T. Goddard, was there for the opening.
Building the Bandstand
A lot of materials were used to build this amazing structure. Workers used over 3,000 tonnes of concrete. They also used 180 tonnes of steel to make it strong. For lighting, they installed 9 kilometers of electrical wires. There were also 750 meters of neon lights and 1,200 light bulbs!
A Popular Attraction
The Pier Bandstand was designed with a large section reaching out over the sea. This part could hold 2,400 people. However, only 800 of these seats were covered by a roof. The middle of the bandstand was open to the sky.
Even though some people thought it looked a bit odd sticking out into the bay, it quickly became very popular. It hosted many fun events for everyone. People came for dances, concerts, and even wrestling matches. They also enjoyed roller skating and beauty contests.
Changes Over Time
In the 1960s, the part of the bandstand connected to the promenade was updated. It became home to an amusement arcade and a restaurant. This made it an even more exciting place to visit.
Demolition and What Remains
By the 1980s, the part of the bandstand that stretched into the sea needed big repairs. It would have cost £300,000 to fix it. The local council decided it was cheaper to take it down instead. This cost £30,000.
To make the demolition interesting, a competition was held. Two schoolgirls from Birmingham won the chance to "press the button" to start the demolition. On May 4, 1986, the bandstand was taken down. Many people came to watch this event.
Only the building on the landward side was left standing. This part was later renovated. In July 2002, a Chinese restaurant called Sea Palace opened there. Today, this same building houses an Italian restaurant called Al Molo. It also has an amusement arcade and a gift shop on the ground floor.
