A FANFARE heralded the opening of a new bandstand in one of Southampton's historic parks.

The bandstand in Palmerston Park marks the completion of the first phase of work in the lottery and council-funded revamp of the city's central parks. The city has been without a bandstand for decades - historians believe the last was scrapped as part of the war effort.

Some 60 members of Southampton Youth Brass Band sounded the first notes to declare the stand open yesterday. It will provide a much-needed performance space for brass bands and small orchestras and will also offer afternoon concerts to park users throughout the summer.

Leisure chief Julian Price said: "The bandstand brings a welcome new facility to the city which will enhance the enjoyment of visitors to the parks."

Space on the stand has been sponsored by members of the Royal Hampshire Regiment and the Ancient Order of Foresters. Further sponsors are being sought and their contribution can also be permanently marked on roundels on the structure.

The bandstand has been paid for out of a £4.5 million lottery grant. More cash is being spent on restoring paths, new railings, seats, lighting and landscaping, plus building a caf and pavilion as part of the scheme to bring the city's parks back to their former Victorian glory.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.