Bandstand Concerts 2015 review

RUSKIN PARK SUMMER CONCERTS 2015 EVALUATION

“Many thanks for all the time and effort that went into organising this thoroughly delightful event, that I’m keen forms part of my children’s memories of their childhood.”

The 2015 concert series was a success. The pattern of 11 concerts was the same as last year (June, July and September with a break in August). The average audience was the highest ever (109).

“Really enjoyed the variety and fun offered. And the quality of the concerts.”

The series of concerts was put together by Sharon Moloney of Making Music. The groups were made up of amateur players from around London and the music was excellent and much enjoyed. In addition there was the Friends Fete, with local acts gathered by the Friends. Lambeth provided £2,500 for band expenses.

The way we are working is well aligned with Lambeth’s Co-operative Council approach. FORP provided the Premises Licence and transmitted the band payments. I arranged publicity and organised stewards. The stewards put the chairs and PA out and away, welcome the band, make announcements, count heads and generally keep an eye on things. I did some stewarding myself; other local people lent a hand. Ruskin Park Café set up a pop-up stall whenever they could.

“Superb. The attention to detail, the personal touch, what a difference these things make.”

Audiences were mixed, reflecting the range of users of the park. There were some regulars and some “passing trade”. People from South London & Maudsley and King’s College Hospitals attended on a regular and irregular basis; sometimes staff or relatives brought patients out specifically for the concerts. The breadth of the audience can be seen in the photographs on the FORP website. There was no antisocial behaviour.

Players often say nice things about the bandstand: it is a good size and its acoustics are excellent. It is in fairly good condition but the trapdoor and balustrade need attention.

“I enjoyed the concert I came to and hope to come to more in future years.”

Stewards collected e-addresses at each concert; we now have a Bandstand group of 198. At the end of the series we e-mailed everyone in the e-group for feedback. Reactions to the programme are predictably contradictory, suggesting that we’ve got it about right. The responses raise the following questions:

• Is the break in August a good idea?
• Can we offer refreshments every time?

Other questions worth discussing include:

• In view of the park’s financial situation, should we aim to raise money through the concert series? Donations, sponsorship, advertising, charge for deckchairs?
• Should we repeat last year’s pre-Christmas mini-season?
• Should we do anything special to mark the 10^th anniversary of the re-opening of the bandstand on 24 June 2006?

“As to next year, keep on doing it.”

ANDREW MAKOWER 27 October 2015

Beatrice Carey (10)