by Will Kilner (Target)

The tradition of live music in Saltaire's historic park could be resurrected.

A group of park enthusiasts want to bring music back to the site of the former Roberts Park Bandstand.

Under the scheme, which could be running by summer, concerts will take place on Sunday afternoons featuring a variety of music, including brass bands, folk, rock, classical, jazz and ethnic music.

The plan is being spearheaded by the Half Moon Steering Group, which aims to attract more people to the park and to the Half Moon Cafe.
The ornate nineteenth century cafe was restored in 2005 and is leased from Bradford Council by Saltaire Cricket Club.

The steering group is applying for a grant of up to £5,000 from the Lottery's Awards for All fund to cover the costs of hiring a small stage, a PA when needed and some quality performers.

Steering group member Eddie Lawler, of Saltaire Village Society, said: "The concept of the Saltaire Bandstand does not demand immediate restoration, but sees the space above the Half-Moon being used for live music on a Sunday after-noon, thus resurrecting a park tradition.

"The programme could be, say, 2.30-4pm including a 20-minute interval."

A Heritage Lottery bid for the park's estimated £3 million restoration is due to be submitted in March but work will not start until at least 2008.

Ed Duguid, community officer for Saltaire Cricket Club, said: "It will be several years before the fu11 restoration is up and running, so we decided to form a steering group to bring people back to the park before then. We want the concerts to be free to attract people to the park on a Sunday.

"If necessary, we will look to local businesses and the Council to support this idea."

Mr Duguid said the bandstand had been demolished years ago because the structure had become unsafe. He said it would be nice to move towards the ultimate goal of reinstating it.