History of the Bandstand

On 22nd September 1989, the IRA exploded a bomb at the Royal Marines School of Music in Deal killing 11 Musicians and seriously injuring 11 more. 

Following this, the Deal Round Table asked for ideas on how to remember the 11 musicians that had died and in a letter to the East Kent Mercury, a Memorial Bandstand was suggested. The Chairman of Deal Round Table brought the local council and Royal Marines together for talks about the plan, and with support of Betteshanger Band, their former bandmaster agreed to be Chairman of an organising Committee and the first of the Memorial Concerts was held in June 1991. 

The 1992 season started in May and Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Graham Hoskins OBE, MVO, RM, a former Principal Director of Music Royal Marines, offered his help and became Chairman of the Bandstand Trust in July 1992. On 18th August 1992, work started on the Bandstand. The opening concert that was held on 2 May 1993 included a fanfare played by the Trumpeters from the Band of HM Royal Marines School of Music, Deal.

In 1996, the Royal Marines School of Music left Deal and relocated to HM Naval Base Portsmouth. 

Today, with the generous help of sponsors and donations from the public, free concerts continue to take place at the Memorial Bandstand located on Walmer Green from May to September, with the Royal Marines Band returning each July to perform to huge crowds and to perform a rededication to those that lost their lives.