THE grand opening of Gorleston's bandstand will take place tomorrow, kicking off a weekend of special events. Workers have this week been putting the finishing touches to the Victorian bandstand which stands in Pier Gardens ready for a weekend of concerts tomorrow, Sunday and Monday.

THE grand opening of Gorleston's bandstand will take place tomorrow, kicking off a weekend of special events.

Workers have this week been putting the finishing touches to the Victorian bandstand which stands in Pier Gardens ready for a weekend of concerts tomorrow, Sunday and Monday.

Rotarian Philip Gunn said it felt “quite amazing” finally to see the attraction become a reality.

He said: “We are delighted with it. We always knew it would look nice but it's much better than we expected.”

Looking towards the future Mr Gunn said the Rotary club wanted to see the bandstand used as much as possible for all sorts of performances ranging from music and acting to dance.

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.

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.

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