Rethinking bandstand
Run as an exciting competition, this education project invited local young people to consider how their school could use the Irvine bandstand.
St Mark's pupils play their instruments on the opening day
A saxophonist tests out the bandstand
At last - the bandstand is open for business at St Mark's Primary
rvine Bay's Patrick Wiggins declares the bandstand open for music and performance!
A 'guard of honour' for some special guests
Getting excited about the new bandstand at St Lark's Primary
The bandstand arrives at St Mark's primary
Pupils from St Mark's Primary School, Irvine give a warm welcome the bandstand as it arrives at its new home
Pupils from St Mark's Primary School, Irvine give a warm welcome the bandstand as it arrives at its new home
St Mark's bring home the Irvine bandstand!
St Mark's put up a great case to win the bandstand!
St Mark's find out they have won the bandstand
Greenwood Academy make a heartfelt plea to win Irvine's bandstand!
Schools had to make their case for rehoming the bandstand at their school
The project was an opportunity for local young people to make their mark on the town centre, suggesting where the bandstand should be located and what its new role might be
Artist Peter McCaughey and Irvine's pigeons enjoy the bandstand before it is relocated
Artist Peter McCaughey introduces the project on video
St Mark's Primary won the competition and the bandstand has now been relocated in their school grounds.
The other three schools who were shortlisted in the competition also overwhelmed judges with their motivation, skills and enthusiasm for the project. As a result they also won exciting runner-up awards, tailored to the needs and aspirations of each school.
About the project
Irvine's bandstand needed a new location and a brand new purpose. This Regeneration Youth project was designed to involve local young people in an exciting curriculum-related project which will help them develop new skills as well as taking part in the regeneration of the area.
The reason for moving the bandstand is the major refurbishment of the Bridgegate. A new piece of public art by Peter McCaughey will become the centrepiece of the new development, so it was time for the bandstand to make a move.
This project was a real opportunity for local young people to make their mark on the town centre, suggesting where the bandstand should be located and what its new role might be. The bandstand could become somewhere to think, to study, to stage performances, chair debates or simply chill out.
In the first round of the competition four schools were shortlisted. Following phenomenal entries from all four shortlisted schools, St Mark's Primary were awarded the bandstand.
Curriculum for Excellence
This project was designed to promote skills for life including teamwork, communication, creativity and IT. Building new partnerships with external organisations will be a key element of the project.
Regeneration Youth
Our Regeneration Youth strategy is about actively engaging the young people of Irvine Bay in the future of their area. The projects we develop are designed to connect local young people with regeneration both in and out of the classroom, and help them benefit directly from it.