SINGERS and musicians may be unable to book slots on the Trowbridge Town Park bandstand this summer because it could be out of action.

The bandstand is scheduled for vital repairs and refurbishment of the art deco structure in peak season.

The move follows news that Trowbridge's Arc Theatre is no longer allowing bookings for external drama, comedy, musical and dance groups wishing to put on shows.

Trowbridge entertainment group Starry Eyes Performance Foundation used the bandstand to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Support charity last year.

Sally Boyle, of Starry Eyes, was planning to bring another series of events to the bandstand this summer after the success of last year's shows.

But the group has now been told no bookings can be taken for the bandstand from June onwards.

Mrs Boyle said: "This news is a real blow to the Starry Eyes group, especially after the success of last year’s events.

"I had been planning for this year’s events and applying for funding to be able to put events on at the bandstand at least once a month from May through until September to provide entertainment for the public and opportunities for community groups and bands to be able to perform.

"But I have been told a refurbishment of the bandstand area is planned this year, which will impact on bookings throughout the summer in particular. 

"It is not confirmed exactly when work will commence but I was told the facilities manager has been advised not to take bookings from June.

"This is somewhat bizarre time planning for a professional facilitator to decide to do work on this facility in the height of summer when the people's park will be at its busiest and most used.

"Plus, people are looking forward to having entertainment again this year after the success of last year’s Trowbridge Park Live Events on the bandstand.

"Professional bands, solo artists and duos, as well as community groups, came from all over the South West with help from our local performance group Starry Eyes, all of which Trowbridge Town Council helped us to fund.

"I am a bit puzzled as to why the work, which we, other members of the council staff and councillors as well as volunteers met at the bandstand and discussed last year, has now been scheduled to start in the height of summer this year.

"It's a shame we weren’t kept in the loop though, because then I wouldn't have been focusing on the bandstand, as nearly everyone was aware we were planning to do it all again this year.

"It’s another blow for local entertainment groups after the Arc Theatre has refused bookings for Trowbridge Musical Theatre, Trowbridge Players and Footlights.

"It’s ironic that in the year of celebrations of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee that the bandstand will be out of use in summer.”

Trowbridge Town Park was given to the people of Trowbridge as a permanent memorial for the  jubilee celebration of Queen Victoria’s reign in 1882.

Cllr Stewart Palmen, the leader of Trowbridge Town Council, confirmed they were planning repairs and refurbishment of the bandstand this year.

Behind the stage, the bandstand has a small kitchen plus changing rooms and toilets for the artistes, as well as a cellar underneath.

He said: "The events put on last year by Starry Eyes revealed that the rooms backstage need refurbishing and some modifications are required.

"We have not yet made a decision when the bandstand will be closed but it will be closed for as long as it takes to complete the works.

"We want to talk to Sally Boyle and work with her to come up with the best solution."