2. Entertainment in Manor Gardens
The gardens are still intended to be a place for rest and quiet. However, since they were opened to the public, they have also been used for a wide variety of public entertainment. In the summer of 1896, several months before the gardens had even been dedicated to public use, a band played every day. During the evenings, some of the country's most eminent bands performed illuminated promenade concerts with charming and brilliant effects.
The gardens also benefited from the building of a bandstand. It was used for a range of musical performances. The original bandstand was replaced in the early 1950s. Sadly, its condition declined until it was finally dismantled in 1993.
It was not only music performances that graced the gardens - there have been numerous theatre companies who have performed since the gardens were opened to the public.