Fanfare for spruced-up bandstand in Northampton Square

IF there’s one thing students don’t need to learn it’s how to put on a party. 

On Saturday, students from City University invited neighbours to a celebration to mark the reopening of the bandstand in Northampton Square, Finsbury.

The only bandstand in a residential square in London, it has been refurbished under a joint scheme involving the university and Islington Council.

Mayor Phil Kelly was on hand, along with the university’s vice-chancellor, Professor Paul Curran, to hear the Somethin’ Else Jazz Ensemble and Hampstead String Quartet perform from the bandstand. Both groups featured former students. 

“We hope the bandstand will be a symbol of the proud history that City University shares with this part of the borough,” Professor Curran said. 

The bandstand was built in 1930 in  response to increased urbanisation that threatened the area’s green spaces. The “public shelter” was seen as a good way to encourage people to take fresh air all year round.

Published: 15th July, 2011
by ANDREW JOHNSON