The Bowie Bandstand is a listed building in Croydon Road Recreation Ground, a public park in Beckenham in the London Borough of Bromley.

Bowie Bandstand, September 2021

The bandstand was erected in 1905, designed by the McCallum and Hope Iron Foundry, Glasgow.[1] It is believed to be the only surviving McCallum and Hope bandstand in the UK.[2] As of 2024, the bandstand is being restored.[3]

On 16 August 1969, David Bowie helped organise, compere and perform at the Growth summer festival,[4] a free music event based at the bandstand.[2] The structure has been called the "Bowie Bandstand" by fans.[4] A one-day festival called "Bowie's Beckenham Oddity" has been held several times in the park, celebrating Bowie's life and legacy.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Historic England. "Bowie Bandstand, Croydon Road Recreation Ground (1465007)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  2. ^ a b "David Bowie's Beckenham bandstand gets Grade II listed status". BBC. 16 August 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
  3. ^ "Bandstand where David Bowie once performed crowned". South London News. 19 February 2024. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  4. ^ a b c Davies, Caroline (15 August 2019). "David Bowie's festival bandstand gets Grade II listing". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 November 2024.

51°24′13″N 0°02′04″W / 51.4035°N 0.0345°W / 51.4035; -0.0345

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