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| Harlow's 'iconic' bandstand destroyed in 'devastating' fire | Harlow's 'iconic' bandstand destroyed in 'devastating' fire |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Emergency services were called to Harlow in the early hours of Friday | Emergency services were called to Harlow in the early hours of Friday |
| An "iconic" bandstand has been destroyed in a "heart-breaking" fire, a council has said. | An "iconic" bandstand has been destroyed in a "heart-breaking" fire, a council has said. |
| The leader of Harlow Council, Dan Swords, said it was alerted to a serious blaze in the Grade II-listed Town Park at about 01:00 BST. | The leader of Harlow Council, Dan Swords, said it was alerted to a serious blaze in the Grade II-listed Town Park at about 01:00 BST. |
| He said the emergency services "worked tirelessly through the night to tackle the fire". | He said the emergency services "worked tirelessly through the night to tackle the fire". |
| "The bandstand was not just a structure, but an iconic part of our town's heritage - a place where generations have gathered, celebrated, and created lasting memories. To see it destroyed in this way is truly devastating." | "The bandstand was not just a structure, but an iconic part of our town's heritage - a place where generations have gathered, celebrated, and created lasting memories. To see it destroyed in this way is truly devastating." |
| Essex Fire Service said it was called at 00:56 and when crews arrived it was "100% alight". | Essex Fire Service said it was called at 00:56 and when crews arrived it was "100% alight". |
| "An investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the fire", it confirmed. Essex Police has been approached for comment. | "An investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the fire", it confirmed. Essex Police has been approached for comment. |
| CBSVL event production said it had helped host many events on the bandstand over the years | CBSVL event production said it had helped host many events on the bandstand over the years |
| Chris Buck-Marshall, owner of CBSVL event production which has provided equipment over the years, said: "The bandstand was an iconic structure in the town park and it deserves the recognition of happiness its bricks and mortar have brought people. | |
| "It is a sad moment for the town. Much history has been lost from the many famous bands having walked the stage." | |
| Melanie Hopwood was left very upset when she found out the bandstand had been destroyed | |
| Melanie Hopwood, founder of the Tommy Jones Project Charity who lives in the town, said: "I am absolutely heartbroken and devastated." | Melanie Hopwood, founder of the Tommy Jones Project Charity who lives in the town, said: "I am absolutely heartbroken and devastated." |
| Her son was stabbed to death in Harlow in 2006, and to mark the 20th anniversary she had booked the bandstand for a big commemorative event on 6 September 2026. | Her son was stabbed to death in Harlow in 2006, and to mark the 20th anniversary she had booked the bandstand for a big commemorative event on 6 September 2026. |
| "I can't believe what I woke up to on the 19th anniversary of my son's burial," she said. | "I can't believe what I woke up to on the 19th anniversary of my son's burial," she said. |
| "There's been so many wonderful, wonderful events at that particular spot that brings the community together. | "There's been so many wonderful, wonderful events at that particular spot that brings the community together. |
| "Ever since I was a little girl, I went there with my nan and grandad." | "Ever since I was a little girl, I went there with my nan and grandad." |
| John Brough, who has been working in the park for several weeks, said he felt "sorry" for all the people who used the bandstand | |
| John Brough, 61, was in the park for his final day of shooting a promotional video for the council when he saw the damage. | |
| He told the BBC: "It's a shame because this is a landmark for Harlow and the park. | |
| "I think of all the times I've spent here with my family, even as a kid I've been coming here, it's so tragic. | |
| "Harlow is so lucky to have this park because it's amazing, it's the poignant pinpoint of the park, I'm devastated." | |
| The bandstand pictured before the fire | The bandstand pictured before the fire |
| Mr Swords added: "Right now, our immediate priority is to establish the cause of the fire and ensure all urgent safety matters are addressed. | Mr Swords added: "Right now, our immediate priority is to establish the cause of the fire and ensure all urgent safety matters are addressed. |
| "This is not the end of the bandstand. | "This is not the end of the bandstand. |
| "We will rebuild it, fully, proudly, and with purpose. | "We will rebuild it, fully, proudly, and with purpose. |
| "And we will bring back the events and celebrations that gave it life, so that thousands of residents can once again enjoy this cherished landmark at the heart of our town." | "And we will bring back the events and celebrations that gave it life, so that thousands of residents can once again enjoy this cherished landmark at the heart of our town." |
| He appealed for residents to not visit the area, to "allow us the space to deal with this tragic incident fully". | He appealed for residents to not visit the area, to "allow us the space to deal with this tragic incident fully". |
| Historic England said in 1973 a bandstand was added in the low valley to the east of Spurrier's Core. | Historic England said in 1973 a bandstand was added in the low valley to the east of Spurrier's Core. |
| It was restored during 2015-16 when it was re-roofed and extended, with the addition of backstage facilities. | It was restored during 2015-16 when it was re-roofed and extended, with the addition of backstage facilities. |
| Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. | Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. |