LOCAL youth music project and charity, Harlow Rock School, has been named the first independent organisation to host a live event at the newly rebuilt Town Park Bandstand, following the site’s tragic destruction in September 2025. 

Rock the Park, an annual music festival led by Harlow Rock School, will be the first non-council run live event at the new Bandstand. Taking place on Saturday 11^th July 2026, Rock the Park features a varied line-up of bands composed of the charity’s very own ‘students’; local young people who attend weekly rehearsals at Rock School’s centre in Katherines, Harlow. 

“We’re so excited to bring Rock the Park back to Harlow Town for another year,” says Mark Perry, Chair of Harlow Rock School. “For our students, the honour of performing on the brand-new Bandstand is an honour they can cherish for a lifetime. It celebrates a legacy of acts since it was first built in 1973, and champions the current local music community. 

“We’re very proud to be a staple in the youth music scene of the town, offering young people an opportunity to engage in a highly enriching experience during their formative years,” Mark adds. “Rock School is about more than just local young people playing music together, too. It offers a safe space, away from screens and the streets, to connect with other like-minded individuals, build confidence, grow skills and work as part of a team.” 

Rock the Park is entirely funded by Harlow Rock School and led by unpaid volunteers. There is no financial contribution from Harlow Council. Therefore, the charity wants to raise £14,000 to fund the event. It is completely free to attend and offers Rock School students an unforgettable experience, headlining a live music event in their hometown. 

“Rock the Park is true, community-led, grass-roots live music, and we need support from local people to raise the £14,000 that funds it each and every year,” explains Sue Wood, Treasurer of Harlow Rock School. “The funds pay for essential provisions such as professional PA and sound hire, security and first aid, festival infrastructure, and advertising and licensing. Whether you can give £5 towards our Go Fund Me, offer complementary equipment hire, or give sponsorship from your local business, it all makes a huge difference in being able to put on this event every year.” 

If you’d like to support Harlow Rock School to help fund their free, local Rock the Park event, visit their GoFundMe at gofundme.com/f/help-harlow-rock-school-rise-from-the-ashes. Alternatively, if you’d like to get in touch about equipment hire, corporate sponsorship or volunteering, please email [email protected] or call 07778 402 076. Your support is vital in ensuring a summer of music, inspiration and opportunity for Harlow’s young people.

Rock the Park is a free to attend local music festival, run by charity Harlow Rock School. It will return this summer on Saturday 11^th July 2026 at the Town Park’s iconic Bandstand. Kicking off at 12.30pm, enjoy a day of live music from local young people, a licensed bar, delicious food and other stalls until 10.30pm. For more information, visit harlowrockschool.com/rock-the-park-2026.html