Kelvingrove Bandstand celebrates 100th anniversary

The historic venue in Kelvingrove Park will mark the milestone with a specially recorded Squeeze concert, Doors Open Day events and the launch of a new webpage.

Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 24 July 2024 6:37

Image Credit: Wattie Cheung

Glasgow’s historic Kelvingrove Bandstand and Amphitheatre is celebrating its 100th anniversary year with a specially recorded Squeeze concert, Doors Open Day events and the launch of a new webpage dedicated to the milestone.

The English rock outfit’s gig on 1 August will be recorded by BBC Radio Scotland for future broadcast as part of the 2024 Summer Nights at the Bandstand, which will bring music stars and bands to the Kelvingrove Park venue during its centenary year.

The concert series, kicked off by Gabrielle on 23 July, features the likes of Johnny Marr (25 July), Emeli Sande (27 July), Ocean Colour Scene (31 July), Echo and The Bunnymen (9 August) and Bananarama (10 August).

Coincidentally, 2024 also marks promoter Regular Music’s 100th Summer Nights at the Bandstand gig.

The acts involved in this year’s Summer Nights at the Bandstand are the latest in a long line of iconic performers who have entertained crowds at Kelvingrove Bandstand.

The Jaygars, Hue and Cry, The Bluebells and Tom Jones are among the famous faces who have wowed audiences at the West End venue over the decades.

Kelvingrove Bandstand is managed by Glasgow Life, the charity that leads culture and sport in Glasgow.

As part of the 100th anniversary year celebrations, people will also have a chance to see behind the scenes and step onto the famous stage during Doors Open Day events on 21 and 22 September. The Doors Open Days will also feature free live music by Glasgow-based artists.

While Kelvingrove Bandstand is renowned as a live music venue, its history is, perhaps, less well-known.

To mark the anniversary, its remarkable story is being told through research, images and film on a new Kelvingrove Bandstand 100th anniversary webpage on the Glasgow Life website.

The current bandstand is Kelvingrove Park’s third and the new webpage reveals the history of each, the origins of which can be traced back to the opening of the park in 1853.

For the first two decades, Kelvingrove Park was designed as a place to walk, rest and enjoy nature.

That changed in 1872 when the Council decided people would also appreciate music and the 25th Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers became the first band to perform in Kelvingrove Park.

The Sun Foundry built the park’s first bandstand in 1875. It opened the following year in an extension of the park where the Lord Kelvin statue now stands.

Concerts at the city’s new attraction became incredibly popular, with 10,000 people often attending on Saturdays.

In 1888, the bandstand hosted live music as Kelvingrove Park staged the first of the Glasgow International Exhibitions.

It again hosted musical performances during the second Glasgow International Exhibition in 1901.

The original structure was then replaced with a traditional bandstand and amphitheatre beside the River Kelvin for the 1911 Glasgow International Exhibition.

When cinema and radio arrived in the 1920s, Kelvingrove Bandstand offered new forms of entertainment to keep pace with the competition, hosting costumed concert parties, choirs and orchestras.

The new events were so successful, it was decided the second bandstand was not big enough.

As a result, a proposal was put to the Council in 1923 to build a new ‘super bandstand’, with seating for 4,500 and standing room for another 15,000. This plan was rejected, but a scheme to build the third, and current, Kelvingrove Bandstand was approved.

The new venue was built in 1924 by the Glasgow Corporation Parks Department. It opened in May 1925 and provided entertainment throughout the 1920s and 1930s.

As television became popular in the 1950s and 1960s, regular concerts came to an end. Youth counter-culture then gave the bandstand a new lease of life – a ‘Ban the Bomb’ anti-nuclear demonstration brought together 2,000 people.

Rock and pop music burst onto the bandstand in 1965 when one of Glasgow’s top acts, The Jaygars, took to its stage.

Kelvingrove Bandstand then became famous for pop music festivals such as Radio Clyde’s first Kelvingrove Free Music Festival in 1978.

After the glory days of the 1970s and 1980s faded, the venue was threatened with closure in 1992 before being saved by a local community campaign.

In the following years, however, Kelvingrove Bandstand fell into disrepair. When the venue was forced to close in 1999, it was repeatedly vandalised and its condition was described as ‘critical’ by the Scottish Buildings at Risk Register.

A plan to refurbish the facility was then developed by a partnership involving Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life, which secured £2.1 million of development funding.

Work began in August 2013 to ensure the project was complete in time for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Glasgow band Belle and Sebastian performed the first gig at the newly restored Kelvingrove Bandstand in July 2014. Within five years, it had hosted performances by the likes of Steve Earle, The Waterboys, Tom Jones, Van Morrison, Primal Scream, Eddi Reader, Texas, Pixies, KT Tunstall and The Human League.

In recent times, the bandstand has welcomed Belinda Carlisle, Happy Mondays, Anastacia, Del Amitri, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Sugababes, among others.

The Category B-listed building is the only original bandstand left in Glasgow and seats up to 3,000 people.

Billy Garrett, Director of Culture, Tourism and Events at Glasgow Life, said: “Kelvingrove Bandstand is an iconic and central part of Glasgow’s cultural past, present and future. The bandstand has hosted so many legendary concerts and events over the last 100 years, which have earned it a reputation at home and abroad as a truly special live music and entertainment venue. It is fitting that the public will be able to enjoy more live music at Kelvingrove Bandstand and learn about the venue’s incredible history in celebration of its centenary year.”

Anyone who would like to submit photographs of or videos taken at the Kelvingrove Bandstand to the Kelvingrove Bandstand 100th anniversary webpage can email copies to amcv@glasgowlife.org.uk

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Winter Wonderland at St Enoch Square set to open this Thursday

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gets underway this week with the opening of St Enoch Square on Thursday 6th November from 12 noon until 9pm.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

Have a merry little Christmas at Glasgow Science Centre

Make this winter one to remember at Glasgow Science Centre! Discover a line-up of unmissable seasonal events packed with science, wonder and festive fun!

Four top chefs in Glasgow team up to raise money for Hospitality Health

Four of Glasgow's top chefs are teaming up on Thursday 13th November to host a charity dinner for Glasgow based charity, Hospitality Health.

Go to Christmas market for locally made gifts returns to Glasgow city centre

Mary's Meals' much-loved market – where your Christmas shopping can help feed hungry children – returns at The Social Hub this November!

Peter Kay announces triumphant return to the OVO Hydro next year

Extra tickets released including premium seats to celebrate his record-breaking stand-up tour.

Unfolded brings sustainable pop up shop and sample sale back to Glasgow for one weekend only at the iconic Buchanan Galleries

Groundbreaking Scottish sustainable ladies fashion brand Unfolded is returning to the heart of Glasgow and the homeland of ladies fashion for one weekend only.

Martin Compston to bring star power to Hoolie in the Hydro as co host

Celebrated Scottish actor Martin Compston has been announced as the co-host for this year's highly anticipated Hoolie in the Hydro: The Big Yin.

Buchanan Galleries marks Purple Tuesday with Charity Partnerships

Buchanan Galleries is marking Purple Tuesday, on 4th November, with a series of initiatives designed to champion accessibility and inclusion within the centre.

Pizza Punks is coming to town with an all new door to door delivery service

Pizza Punks Glasgow have revealed a revolutionary new service, door to door delivery, and to celebrate, the pizza scene disrupters are offering 50% off your first order!

Reward offered for return of Elvis artwork stolen from The Clutha Bar in Glasgow

The Clutha Bar and local artist Moe Rocksmoore are appealing for the safe return of Elvis, a much-loved artwork created by children and young people from Glasgow and Renfrewshire schools.

Book Tales: Storytelling through the lives of readers past and present

This November, the University of Glasgow and The Mitchell Library invite you to explore the rich and historical life of books in a series of engaging Being Human Festival.

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn unveils luxury recliners and immersive 4DX experience

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn has just completed a major transformation, introducing luxury recliner seating and an immersive 4DX auditorium!

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025

As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

Mowgli Street Food unveils its Christmas feasting menus

Mowgli Street Food restaurants have launched their special Christmas menus - a vibrant celebration of Indian home-style cooking, made for sharing.

The Superlative Collection to host charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland in Princes Square

The Superlative Collection are taking over Glasgow's iconic Princes Square, on Friday 21st November, to host a charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland.

KENJI to open first Scottish store at Silverburn

Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, will welcome Scotland’s first KENJI store this December.

Aldi calls on schools in Glasgow to sign up for healthy eating programme

Aldi is inviting schools, parents and guardians in Glasgow to sign up to its Get Set to Eat Fresh programme, which teaches children about the importance of healthy eating.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Double win for Rickshaw & Co. and Raja Rani Restaurant in Glasgow at the Asian Restaurant Awards

Two of Glasgow's most loved dining spots, Rickshaw & Co. and Raja Rani Restaurant, have achieved a remarkable double victory at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2025.

Omniplex Cinema Group acquires iconic Renfrew Street cinema

Omniplex Cinemas has announced the acquisition of Glasgow's iconic Renfrew Street cinema, the tallest cinema in the world, marking an exciting new chapter for the venue.

Design your own FORTY t shirt at two stores in Glasgow tomorrow

Glasgow's homegrown streetwear brand, FORTY Clothing, is marking a major milestone in style with a series of creative design events for its customers across its stores tomorrow.