JUST three years after work began to save a crumbling Forest of Dean bandstand from ruin, music lovers have announced a full programme of summer events – and all are free!

Tucked away on the edge of woods at Sling, near Coleford, the Scarr Bandstand seemed doomed. Much of its crumbling stonework was in a state of decay and largely hidden by thick undergrowth.

But a group of music lovers emerged to launch a fight to save the venue. Initial backing from the Foresters’ Forest Heritage Lottery Fund Landscape Partnership and the Forestry Commission enabled the site to be cleared and recovery work to begin.

‘The Friends of Scarr Bandstand’ took up the challenge and with backing from the Royal Forest of Dean Rotary Club, Forest of Dean Lions, SPP Pumps and Calico Interiors as well as the Arts Council for England, the site has been transformed.

Already, extra car-parking has been created and a boar-proof fence erected – and talks are already underway to restore a roof to the bandstand.

The summer season is kicked-off by Lydney Town and Pillowell silver bands, who will provide four hours of music from midday this Sunday (June 10).

Events continue throughout the summer and will end on Saturday, August 26, when the Friends present ‘Festival Saturday’ as a tribute to the famous ‘Hospital Sunday’ fundraising concerts which were part of the local scene for over 100 years.

Theatre also gets an airing with a chance to see Passing the Baton, a play based on the memories of Lydbrook bandsman Robin Morgan, on Saturday, June 16 (2pm), followed by a concert by Lydbrook Training Band. Get the full programme of events, including storytelling and plays, from the Scarr Bandstand website and from Coleford TIC.