Heartbreak as much-loved Harlow Bandstand destroyed by fire
Crime / Fri 19th Sep 2025 at 06:48am
HARLOW’s iconic bandstand at the heart of the town park has been destroyed by fire.
Emergency services attended at just after 1 am this morning (Sept 19th) to the bandstand which by then was engulfed in flames.
The treasured bandstand will have emotional memories for generations of Harlow residents.
Famous bands and artists such as the Bay City Rollers, 10CC, The Pogues, Kenny Ball to name just a few played there.
We very much have the late Dick Kilburn to thank for that.
It was still being used last month for community events.
The area has been sealed off. Police officers are guarding the scene.
Harlow Council officers were also present as well as the leader of the council.
Harlow Council leader Dan Swords said: “At 1am this morning, our council teams, alongside the police and fire service, were alerted to a serious fire at the town park bandstand. Together, they worked tirelessly through the night to tackle the fire, and I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone involved for their swift and dedicated response.
“This is a heartbreaking incident. The bandstand was not just a structure, but an iconic part of our town’s heritage – a place where generations have gathered, celebrated, and created lasting memories. To see it destroyed in this way is truly devastating.
“Right now, our immediate priority is to establish the cause of the fire and ensure all urgent safety matters are addressed. But let me be absolutely clear: this is not the end of the bandstand. We will rebuild it – fully, proudly, and with purpose. And we will bring back the events and celebrations that gave it life, so that thousands of residents can once again enjoy this cherished landmark at the heart of our town.
“Further information will be made available as soon as possible, but I kindly ask that residents do not visit the area and allow us the space to deal with this tragic incident fully.”
A spokesperson for Essex Fire Service said:
“Firefighters were this morning (12.56am) called out to a fire at the Town Park Bandstand in Harlow.
On arrival, the bandstand was 100 per cent alight.
“An investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the fire”.
Guy Flegman
2025-09-19 07:07:08
What ever happened this represents the end of what was once called harlow new town. We are just another homogeneous uk town now.
Clive sims
2025-09-19 07:09:32
R.I.P. harlow new town. We are just plain old Harlow town now.
William Harris
2025-09-19 07:24:31
Get the bandstand rebuilt as soon as possible please
Robin of H Town
2025-09-19 07:41:11
Waking up to the news that our much loved Bandstand burnt down overnight is heartbreaking. For so many of us, it wasn’t just a building, it was a stage for memories. From big names like Thin Lizzy, Hawkwind and Fairport Convention years ago, right through to The Subways only this summer, it’s been a place where music filled the park and brought people together. But what’s maybe most special is the smaller, local stuff. The Bandstand was where neighbours came together at community events, where organisers hosted charity days and local performances, and where families sat on the grass on summer afternoons listening to music. It was also where young musicians got their very first chance to step onto a stage, nervous but excited, with the crowd cheering them on. Those are the moments that made it part of Harlow’s soul. The leader of the council has promised it will be rebuilt, and let’s hope those words turn into action. Because the Bandstand wasn’t just part of the park, it was part of Harlow’s heart.
Philip
2025-09-19 07:44:22
I was using AI the other day and it gave me "Fully, proudly, and with purpose", and I wondered what does that mean?
Kat
2025-09-19 07:46:18
I hope it is rebuilt to look the same, it was iconic. Guy and Clive, where is your town spirit? Yes it's an awful thing to have happened, but it will be rebuilt, and I don't understand why you think that this incident declares the end of the town.
Imran
2025-09-19 07:49:09
Holla there ye
Stuart G
2025-09-19 07:57:42
This is gutting. I do hope (but don't really believe) that this was an accident rather than deliberate. So many memories up in smoke. Let's hope we rebuild it in its image - it was an iconic landmark and it, along with the town park, was one of the few truly excellent spaces left in this town. Let's get it done sooner rather than later so it can be open again for events next summer.
John
2025-09-19 08:02:44
I remember as a kid going to the town park most weekends for all the country and westerns it was brilliant great memories.
Fed up
2025-09-19 08:14:39
And people are saying harlow is a nice place to live?! If it was a nice place to live then people would look after it more. Not destroy parts of it. Although, it now fits in with the rest of the town.
Joseph J Parker
2025-09-19 08:47:42
I’m not sure what the motivations where behind this but I’m tempted to believe that this was probably deliberate rather then just being an accident!, whoever the perpetrators where they obviously knew the value of this amenity and further more they clearly wanted to strike fear into the hearts of the people who love and appreciate it!. Makes me wonder whether there is any connection between this and the flags ( reichstag fire anyone?)
Kevin B Forbes
2025-09-19 09:03:10
From the 1950 onwards families and their children would spend weekends in Harlow park for all forms of entertainment, Friendship and cohesion of the community, The park was voted as the 6th best park in the uk at one point. The bandstand, skating ring and cafe there hosted many hundreds of performers from proffetional, amateur and the towns own talent. I performed the many times, for Netteswell school and youth band, Harlow band, Epping band and many other musical groups. The band stand stood as a platform for the town to grow and be inclusive for all, and did galvanise the community. This is a sad day, and i hope it enables us all to reflect on what we had, and what we should have.
Mandy Jacobs
2025-09-19 09:15:54
The response to the destruction of the bandstand has and will be huge and heartfelt. An iconic Harlow landmark laced with personal and collective shared memories reaching back decades for many. Perhaps we will now ALL have a deeper understanding as to how it is for those in Ukraine and Gaza who are daily living with the material fabric of their lives shattered with the threat of total obliteration.
Mandy Jacobs
2025-09-19 09:16:51
The response to the destruction of the bandstand has and will be huge and heartfelt. An iconic Harlow landmark laced with personal and collective shared memories reaching back decades for many. Perhaps we will now ALL have a deeper understanding as to how it is for those in Ukraine and Gaza who are daily living with the material fabric of their lives shattered and the threat of total obliteration.
smiler
2025-09-19 10:18:36
Mandy Jacobs. This has nothing to do with Ukraine or Gaza. Put your shoehorn away
Guy Flegman
2025-09-19 10:20:58
@Kat. Looks like my community spirit was stolen and used to burn down the band stand! On a more serious note my original comment was more about how this town was a great place with lots of things that other towns do not and all of those things have gone.
Stuart
2025-09-19 10:34:19
We need to rebuild this and have it opened by a known band to celebrate. This is a lot of history gone up in smoke and we need to restore it asap. Sad times.
john
2025-09-19 10:48:03
gosh terrible. ever since they started putting that bench up there ya just knew it was all down hill. urine stains everywhere, drugs all over. they were really insistent with that bench. everytime the council took it down they put it back up as theres not enough places to sit thier ars e i guess. guy used to do his tennis there aswell. must have annoyed a few seeing someone do something postive. bbc saying arsen. terrible.
Hazel
2025-09-19 10:58:18
Grew up in Harlow, lived in Little Parndon, went to Burnt Mill. Harlow Town Park and The Bandstand mean a lot to me and I still visit when I can. The memories of music and community can’t be burned down. Please do rebuild it in its original beautiful mid twentieth century design. For all the future musicians and music lovers
David
2025-09-19 11:36:28
Mindless vandalism! I used to go to all the free concerts in the 1970's (other than Bay City Rollers!). We used to somehow blag our way backstage. I remember with Hawkwind's first gig there in 1973 talking with Stacia who wasn't going to dance with the band as it was a "family event". She was reading an autobiography about Isadora Duncan and tried to spook us 15 year olds by telling us in graphic detail how she died. I still have a pristine 1973 Hawkwind tour badge she gave me. Earlier that season we ended up talking to Judas Priest who were a support act and were looking for something to do before getting into their beaten up Ford Transit to go back home to Birmingham. As 15 year olds we couldn't get into The Birdcage but there was a midnight screening of Jimi Hendrix "Experience" and Woodstock both 18 certificate. Dropped us all off home in the small hours.
Seamus
2025-09-19 11:44:47
Spent much of my youth at Sunday concerts with my parents in front of the bandstand. They'd listen to the music, we'd go on the roller skate place, get an ice cream at the cafe and play in the streams. This place was true community and brought many families in Harlow together.
Steven snell
2025-09-19 11:57:34
They should have used fire retardant paint
David
2025-09-19 13:10:26
Such a sad day for the Town, I saw the Darts in 1978, then Jerico in 1987, Aswad in 1988, to name but a few, and many, many Country & Western weekends, this has to be rebuilt, please.
Rose
2025-09-19 13:36:48
The bandstand has to rebuilt..so many memories for the people of Harlow town….i would love to no who burnt it down they have no place in this town ….i can not say what I really think of them who done it ,they don’t deserve to live here if they do x
Bill Balls
2025-09-19 14:02:41
When the square went Harlow lost a bit if it’s soul. This is another nail. We as residents must insist the council rebuilt it to look the same but with modern fixtures so it can be enjoyed for another 40 odd years.
Jaine Cooke
2025-09-19 15:09:10
Why? This was part of so many people's memories. I used to come to the bandstand with my mum & aunty, watch the bands, have a picnic then skate for ages. Now at 58 I still walk there & smile remembering my childhood. Then some scores destroy it.
Clark Renney
2025-09-19 15:14:19
This is very sad news. I remember the bandstand best for the Country and Western Music festivals which drew music Fans from all over the country each Summer. But Keep The Faith... I know the bandstand will rise again, even greater...
Jason Munday
2025-09-19 16:00:47
Accident my arse. Some one/ones did this and need finding. Harlow Council rebuild now
john
2025-09-19 17:13:07
as i said will anyone be caught. highly doubt it. if they are will they get jail. no. why did they keep putting the bench up there. last year or so they started putting benches up there because i guess there wasnt enough places to sit thier a rse. they even ripped the benches out of the grass so desperate were they to put bench there. then they started staying there every night taking drugs littering and urinating all the time. i knew then the days of bandstand were numbered. i assumed the council would lock it up. didnt think the chavery would go this far and burn it. but its like i had a sense it was the end of it. the authorties knew about the people going there every evening doing drugs vandalizing the place and they did nothing. not saying it was them but once ya start putting bench up there you encourage lazy so and sos to go and sit there. i was actually thinking it would become an ideal homeless camp. even that would have been better than this.
PhilGood
2025-09-19 18:34:45
Now that's gone, it'll probably be the children's parks & pets corner for them to target next (I feel sorry for the animals that will perish). I'm sure the people who carried this out are really proud of them selves and can't wait to tell their friends & families of their achievement. this just typical of the scummy Harlowites of today.
Keith
2025-09-19 19:48:06
With the number of degenerates roaming the town it's a miracle it's lasted so long.
John Curry
2025-09-19 20:51:17
Tragic as it is, this has to be the opportunity to replace the old building, that we all loved, with something new. Let's move on. An architectural/artistic competition could produce something very special and contemporary, to take us into the next 60 years. Let's go for it!
Al
2025-09-20 00:42:06
Harlow no different to other towns and is nice to live People always destroy stuff I come from north London My daughter sung there in July We have great Park great green spaces etc Great industrial park restaurants and water gardens Great leisure centre Rebuild and hope they catch who did this
Mark R E Gough
2025-09-21 01:29:19
As a former Netteswell Councillor, I was always very proud of the Town Park being in my ward. The Bandstand was a wonderful and historic part of that. I hope those responsible for this are found and punished. It must be rebuilt as soon as possible and as close as possible to the original. The relaunch party must be great too! No-one must be allowed to take away our Town's History! #NewBandstandNow
A Harlow Resident
2025-11-05 20:03:49
A band from my old school played there not long ago, all the memories we all had there. I really hope it's rebuilt the same so the next generation can make more memories.
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