Dorking Bandstand

The proposal is to build, maintain and operate a Bandstand in Meadowbank Park, Dorking, for the benefit of the public, and as a fitting memorial to lives lost, sacrifices made and the role of the NHS during the Covid Pandemic

• The proposed location is on Mole Valley DC land, near the lake in Meadowbank Park, not far from the playgrounds and café 
• The design will closely resemble the bandstand previously located in Dorking South Street (1921-1962) 
• The Bandstand will form a focus for outdoor musical and other performances and activities  in the park; in particular, a regular season of free, Sunday afternoon “Music in Meadowbank” concerts are envisaged during the summer months
• The Pandemic Community Bandstand CIO was established in July 2021 as a registered Charity, to raise funding, manage fabrication and installation of the bandstand
• It will also manage the maintenance and operation of the Bandstand – including the booking of performers, publicity etc

Community Engagement and Planning

• The Charity has been conducting a wide-ranging information and community engagement campaign since autumn 2021, with a high level of support. Some concerns were raised over potential disturbance, which were addressed in the planning process
• A Planning Application was submitted in October 2021 and approved in September 2022, including various Conditions to meet residents’ concerns over hours of use and the  number of events staged during the year.

Costs and Funding

• Current estimates for the total project costs are in the range £220,000 - £270,000, although final contractors have not been selected yet.
• We are seeking £190,000 from YourFund Surrey – other sources of funding are being actively pursued.

Further Information

• Find out more: www.dorkingbandstand.com
• Planning application details can be viewed at: https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/WPHAPPDETAIL.DisplayUrl?theApnID=MO/2021/1989 

Please support our request, to honour those who have helped us through the pandemic, remember those who have suffered or lost their lives,  and bring open-air music back to the middle of Dorking!