THE base is complete, the plaques are on and all that's left to wrap up an eight-year long dream is the bandstand frame itself. Rotarians in Gorleston say they can't quite believe that the town's bandstand will have its grand opening next Saturday during the Whit Bank Holiday weekend.

THE base is complete, the plaques are on and all that's left to wrap up an eight-year long dream is the bandstand frame itself.

Rotarians in Gorleston say they can't quite believe that the town's bandstand will have its grand opening next Saturday during the Whit Bank Holiday weekend.

Construction work started on the long-awaited project about a month ago and the bandstand frame was delivered to the site this week.

Speaking to the Mercury, Rotarian Philip Gunn said he was hopeful the bandstand would be in place by Monday with finishing touches taking place next week ready for the grand opening on Saturday .

He said: “It's a special gift to the people of Gorleston.”

There are 250 plaques featured in the risers of the bandstand steps and these formed the largest part of the eight-year fundraising campaign - proving to be a big hit with locals who secured their place in history on a facility tipped to bring together the community.

The bandstand, in Pier Gardens near the beach, will be opened by new mayor Terry Easter, along with the district governor of Rotary International, Duncan Howlett. After the official opening, the award-winning Great Yarmouth Brass Band will christen the stand and entertain the audience.

A series of concerts are also planned for Sunday and Monday .

Brian Ollington has guided the project since its inception and said Rotary's aim was to put a “smile on the face of Gorleston” with a community facility that people could be proud of.

He added the bandstand would be a facility open to all groups - young, old, disabled, musicians, actors and other performers.

The project has cost £65,000 with the majority of the cash being raised through the sale of the plaques. Local companies have also sponsored the project and the borough council has given £15,000 from its Cleaner, Safer, Greener Fund.

But it's not the first time the town has had a bandstand - the first one was built in 1896 at the cost of £85. It was rebuilt in 1922 but was dismantled to make way for the swimming pool.

Any local band, artists, acting groups or performers that are interested in using the bandstand should email pgunn@freenet.co.uk or algibar.23@btinternet.com.

See Pages 54/55 for a special feature on the bandstand, its opening and the programme of music.