Is This The Only Care Home in the Country With It's Own Bandstand at Glastonbury Care Home

Paul conducting (plus a little cornet playing as well) with some members from Wells City Band as they give the first performance on a new completed bandstand in the residents garden at Glastonbury Care Home

Be careful what you wish is a phrase often heard, In addition be careful what you pop into the ear in even in casual passing to Gary the Head of Maintenance at Glastonbury Care Home. Just over a year a go I suggested to Gary in a half hearted throw away moment that perhaps the home should have its own bandstand.

Six months later as I arrived at GCH to play my usual weekly music one to one at resident's bedside Gary took me out into the garden to show me what was the basic shell and beginnings of a brand new eco friendly bandstand!

July 2026 at their annual summer garden party about half of the players from Wells City Band, 17 in all, christened the completed bandstand with a performance of classic British brass band favourites. The bandstand can hold up to 20 performers. It is beautifully designed and built all from wood, with a roof, ramp for wheel chair access and safety rails around the whole bandstand. The bandstand was funded by a donation from one of the residents family when they heard of the idea..

Every year the home opens their doors for a summer garden party. The event is open to the local community as well as staff and friends and relatives of the residents. As I also said to Gary a year ago, again half joking, "it's like the film Waynes World 2 if you build it they will come". And they did in big numbers.

The hope for summer 2027 is for live music on the bandstand most weekends. Members of Wells City Band will be making a return to perform on the bandstand at GCH summer garden party 27. There are also plans to use the bandstand all year round including a musical Santas Grotto with live music. Enjoy!