Sublime Sundays: August performances at Regent’s Park bandstand

A serene and beguiling spot in the simply sensational family-friendly Regent’s Park, the renowned bandstand is located on Holme Green – which you’ll find is between the boating lake and the Inner Circle. Tragically, in 1982, it was actually the target of an IRA terrorist attack, which killed seven soldiers and injured 24 others during a military-themed concert.

To this end then, the bandstand carries a plaque in commemoration of the event and dedicated to the memory of those who were killed. On a happier note, though, the site’s open daily and – especially on Sundays in the summer – serves as a spot that’s perfect for enjoying live music (not least if you’re walking through the park as you’re staying relatively nearby at one of the hotels near Lancaster Gate Tube station)…

The Heroes Band

(5th August; 3-5pm)

Bring a picnic, grab a deckchair and catch this performance with its focus on the music of the ‘big band’ and jazz standards scene, while taking in views across the park’s boating lake and magnificent bedding displays. It’s all about relaxation and lazy Sunday afternoon enjoyment, so simply turn up and enjoy the free concert.

South London Symphonic Winds

(12th August; 3-5pm)

Operating out of Brixton, South London Symphonic Wings is a wind band that doesn’t do anything like limit its musical remit; instead it always aspires to play a wide range of classical arrangements, marches, popular music, and modern pieces. Indeed, its self-declared principal aim is to create an environment in which a diverse set of people of all ages and backgrounds have fun making music together – great for those who find themselves in Regent’s Park on this Sunday afternoon then (perhaps because they’ve strolled into the park having made the nearby Park Grand London Lancaster Gate hotel, the base for their short-break stay in the capital?)

Barnes Concert Band

(19th August; 3-5pm)

A symphonic wind band based in South West London (and rehearsing in Twickenham), this band can impressively boast as many as 40 wind, brass and percussion players, while its musical director/ conductor is the Trinity College of Music-educated Alan Goodall. The band claims its mission is ‘to entertain our audiences with a mixture of challenging symphonic wind music and familiar bandstand favourites’. It was founded as far back as 30-plus years ago and is now a registered charity.

Regent Community Brass

(24th August; 2-5pm)

An enthusiastic and welcoming group of musicians under the direction and baton of their musical director and conductor, the Royal College-of Music educated Michael Bearman, the Regent Community Brass band regularly performs on the bandstand throughout the summer, with their varied and enjoyable repertoire that’s as accessible to the ear of the listener as it is to the musicality of the band’s members. The group also compete on the brass band scene throughout the UK and abroad; this year they qualified for the finals of the fourth section of National Brass Band Championship for the second consecutive year.

Kix Jazz Orchestra

(26th August; 3-5pm)

Featuring an established, experienced line up, this 17-piece ‘big band’ comes complete with jazz singer Kate Daniels, while its members hail from across the capital and meet up at Kings Cross for rehearsals every week. Kix Jazz’s repertoire includes a wide variety of Latin, swing standards, fusion and original, challenging arrangements, written by the likes of Gordon Goodwin, Bob Berg, Mike Stern, Michel Camilo and many more.

Klezmer in the Park 2018

(2nd September; 1-6pm)

a celebration of Jewish music in all its guises – from centuries old tunes and Yiddish songs to more unexpected strains of contemporary jazz, Latin, gypsy and world music, this free afternoon of music and dance is set to comprise seven klezmer bands on bandstand, introduced by BBC Radio 3 DJ Max Reinhardt. There’s also planned a Kid’s Klezmer club with free activities throughout the day.