MUSIC is returning to a historic Wirral bandstand this summer.

Bands will take to the iconic location at Vale Park in New Brighton to perform for visitors on Sunday afternoons.  

The lineup has been curated by the community group the Friends of Vale Park New Brighton in a bid to help showcase local talent and bring music back to the park.

Wirral Globe: Swing Band Era are one of the bands who will be performing at Vale Park's bandstandSwing Band Era are one of the bands who will be performing at Vale Park's bandstand (Image: Swing Band Era)

Helen Murphy is one of the musicians who will be performing on the bandstand with her band Swing Era Band.

She told the Globe: “The bandstand in the park is really historic. It’s beautiful and you have these absolutely stunning views right across the River Mersey.

“It’s always been a tradition for bands to play in the park so it’s really nice because different generations can enjoy a family date out in the sunshine.”

The new bandstand events are the first time that bands will perform in the park since the coronavirus pandemic.

Helen said: “We used to play at Vale Park’s iconic bandstand regularly but it closed during the pandemic and funding for music was stopped. 

Wirral Globe: Vale Park's bandstandVale Park's bandstand (Image: Swing Band Era)

“So this year Friends of Vale Park have got together to bring Sunday afternoon music back to the park.

“It’s been tough for musicians during Covid because there were no performances or rehearsals so this year bands are going to play to try and get publicity but we really need local sponsors and businesses to get involved so we can keep bringing the music back.”

Wirral Globe: Swing Band EraSwing Band Era (Image: Swing Band Era)

She added: “It’s not only a great place for bands to showcase their music but also a lovely family day out because families can go and sit on a deck chair with ice cream or have a picnic and enjoy the music.

“Vale Park is this little pocket of oasis. It’s a special place. We want people to know that these events are on because New Brighton is such an amazing nostalgic place.”

The 12-piece Swing Band Era is set to take to the bandstand on Sunday, June 11 at 2pm and will be performing big band 1940s swing.