5 April, 2012
Eastbourne’s free concert commemorating 100 years since the sinking of the Titanic will go ahead in a new venue at the Congress Theatre on Sunday 15 April.
Despite the temporary closure of Eastbourne Bandstand due to essential maintenance works, the concert will still take place for the 1,500 people who applied for free tickets earlier this year, with a presentation on stage celebrating a newly restored plaque.
The concert will mark the 100 year anniversary alongside the recent restoration of the 1914 Bandstand plaque, which commemorates Eastbourne bandsman John Wesley Woodward. The local musician, a regular in the Duke of Devonshire Orchestra, played cello in the ship’s orchestra, all of whom famously played on while the Titanic sank.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “We are delighted to be hosting this commemorative event and are still committed to continuing as much of our Bandstand programme as possible this year. We have acted quickly to ensure the concert still goes ahead and are currently sending newsletters to our audience advising of the venue change. We have even arranged a shuttle bus in case anyone turns up at the wrong venue!”
“Visitors are still guaranteed a wonderful afternoon of music and can learn much more about the fascinating history around the Titanic and our local hero John Wesley Woodward, by visiting the exhibition in the Congress Theatre foyer before and after the show.”
The concert features a performance by the Champagne String Quartet, including music that would have been played on board ship. As well as marking the 100 year anniversary, the Mayor of Eastbourne will pay tribute to John Wesley Woodward and will thank donors, including local fundraiser Peter Goldsmith, for their help in restoring the commemorative plaque.
All issued tickets for the concert will be valid for the Congress Theatre venue and for those who are yet to collect their tickets, they will be available to collect at the Seafront Office prior to 15 April, or when doors open at the Congress Theatre Box Office from 2pm on the day of the concert.
With all 1,500 free tickets already snapped up, organisers are also calling on any ticket holders who are unable to attend, to return their tickets to the Seafront Office.
For more information visit the Seafront Office, 6 Lower Parade, Grand Parade, Eastbourne BN21 3AD, open 10am to 5pm each day.
To contact the office email bandstand@eastbourne.gov.uk, telephone 01323 410611, or visit the website for more details.
