THE SCARR Bandstand near Coleford will celebrate a landmark summer with its first-ever classical music concert and confirmation that work is now under way on a long-awaited permanent roof.

On Sunday, August 24, the Friends of Scarr Bandstand, in partnership with Wye Valley Music, will present a free outdoor concert from 2.30pm.

The award-winning Bute Wind Quintet will perform music by Grieg, Vaughan Williams and ABBA, while internationally renowned musicians Michael Bochmann on violin and Adam Khan on guitar, known as The Devil’s Violinist, will play Paganini’s 24th Caprice alongside Bach and tango pieces.

The volunteer-run Friends have transformed the historic site since taking it on in 2016. Once the home of brass band concerts, the Scarr Bandstand lost its roof in the 1990s. Every year since, the group has had to hire a costly temporary covering to run its summer programme of music and theatre.

For years, the Friends have campaigned for a permanent roof to make the venue usable year-round for concerts, fetes, school events and even weddings. Early fundraising efforts included pub quizzes, online appeals and local donations, as well as grants from Arts Council England and Gloucestershire County Council.

The final funding needed came from the Forest of Dean District Council via the government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund, meaning installation can begin once this year’s summer season ends.

Secretary Alison Collison said: “Local people have been amazing. The new roof will secure the Scarr Bandstand’s future as a go-to Forest venue for outdoor events of all kinds.”

The project has also been supported by West Dean Parish Council, Coleford Town Council, Newland Parish Council, PSW Metals, Ron Birch, the Honourable Company of Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean Lions, Watts Trust Fund, Royal Forest of Dean Rotary Club, Gloucestershire Brass Band Association, Gloucestershire Masonic Charity Action and Wye Valley Music.