ONE of Eastleigh's most prominent landmarks swung back into action after a facelift to ensure it was ready to face the music - and the millennium.

The bandstand in the town's Leigh Road recreation ground was officially re-opened by Eastleigh mayor Jane Welsh after an eight-week restoration project.

With its base built in 1909 and roof constructed in 1923, the bandstand has been the venue for many notable civic events.

Extensive restoration work has seen the roof repaired with a special resin that provides a lead effect finish, while all the metalwork has been cleaned and treated to an Edwardian colour scheme with a protective coating.

And as Mrs Welsh cut a ribbon to formally re-open the much-loved feature in the town centre park, she said: "I hope it will continue for another 100 years as a place of open entertainment for the people of Eastleigh."

To help the event go with a swing, Eastleigh's scout and guide band played a fanfare and the bandstand then became the centrepiece for a series of events as the Eastleigh Scout District held a Scouting Awareness Day.

Side shows, games, a bouncy castle and refresh-ments were included in the event.

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