Be Inspired by a different kind of Marathon…

Coming to a town near you - The Bandstand Marathon!

Music bandstands are part of the cultural heritage of the UK and music development agency SUPERACT! is bringing these venues back to life, as part of the cultural build up to the 2012 Games.

While the Bandstand Marathon is primarily aimed at traditional bands, music from many cultures is showcased from countries which participate at the Olympic or Paralympic Games.

The Bandstand Marathon has been awarded London 2012’s Inspire Mark, which recognises exceptional projects that are innovative and directly inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is hoped that Creative Programmers (representatives of London 2012 across the UK) will help the project expand throughout the UK. The Bandstand Marathon project has received the Inspire Mark from London 2012 in recognition of the work done to revitalize a part of the community and bring cultures together on stage.

It is hoped that the Bandstand Marathon project will also provide a database of bandstands throughout the UK, becoming a valuable tool for those with interests in music, local history, and architecture.

Bandstands in Kent involved in the Bandstand Marathon include Victoria Gardens (Chatham), The Pantiles (Tunbridge Wells), The Fort Gardens (Gravesend), Vine Gardens (Sevenoaks) and Pencester Gardens (Dover). Organisers are hopeful that Kent’s many remaining bandstands, in places such as Canterbury and Maidstone, will be involved over the next three years.  

For more information and listings of events in 2009, visit www.bandstandmarathon.org.uk