THE first event in 25 years at the Scarr Bandstand at Sling was a great success – but it came close to being abandoned.

Organisers of Gloucestershire Youth Players’ production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream had to make a decision about whether it should go ahead after torrential rain on Friday (July 21).

The paths to the newly-cleared site became slippery with mud and vehicle access was im-

possible, and the Friends of Scarr Bandstand had to decide whether to give in to the appalling weather, or go ahead.

The Gloucestershire Youth Players were prepared to make the journey and Sling Club was offered as an indoors alternative if needed

Leaving it to the last possible minute before the first performance on?Saturday, Roger James, chairman of the Friends of Scarr Bandstand decided to chance it – and the rain stopped.

Pauline and Brian Nash of Calico Interiors provided their 4x4 van to ferry wheelchair users to the bandstand, and helped the performers get their equipment to and from the site.

The local Scouts lent a hand, and the bar provided by Sling Club also helped, said a spokesperson for the Friends.

“Umbrellas were need­ed very briefly on Saturday evening, but Sunday evening remained blissfully dry.

“The show was magic, the setting enchanting, the audience appreciative, and the Scarr Bandstand is back in business.”

Scarr Bandstand’s next event is Festival Saturday on August 26, with Drybrook and Parkend silver bands; the fun starts at 2.30pm, with the bands beginning at 3.30pm.