Newtown says fond farewell to Guerrilla Bandstand

Newtown residents said goodbye to the bandstand next to the Newtown Community Centre last Friday night.

Constructed for an episode of Channel Ten’s Guerrilla Gardeners program in March last year, the bandstand came under fire even during its construction. The show’s public and legal liaison, Dave was tied up talking to local council in person and on the phone during the construction of the bandstand, turf, chairs and plants in the park beside the centre.

The rotunda or bandstand will be dismantled by Sydney council next week due to fears the structure has reduced the passageway for fire-engines which regularly use the restricted laneway.

Local band, Doc Jones and the Lechery Orchestra hosted a free concert from 8pm to celebrate the bandstand and see that “for one last time it will be used for the purpose it was built, for local bands to strut their stuff for the entertainment of whoever wants to stop and enjoy.”

Passersby and fans of the bandstand joined band members in saying farewell to the “pint sized amphitheatre”.

Newtonians told City News they thought the bandstand had added charm to the empty park described as a “dusty eyesore” and were sad to see it go.

“It was really very Newtown,” said Daniel, a Newtown resident.

“A lot of the other stuff Guerrilla Gardeners got a lot of attention but I always thought the bandstand looked like it belonged.

“It’s pretty ironic they are making them tear it down that being the case.”

By Simon Black