The Rotary Bandstand Trust of Luton is hosting a Corporate Launch at the stately home as part of its ongoing project to design and build a new bandstand in Wardown Park, Luton.

The event, taking place on Wednesday 10 September, will be attended by major businesses from within Luton and Bedfordshire and is part of a high profile campaign to provide support and funding for cultural, musical and artistic activities long term in the Luton area.

The Trust, comprising members from the four Rotary Clubs of Luton, is also running a competition to design a new bandstand. The competition is open to all up to the age of 22, in education, or resident within the Borough of Luton at Monday 1 December 2014, the closing date for the competition.

The competition is being run under the auspices of the Rotary Youth Trust of Luton, in conjunction with the University of Bedfordshire. 

Students from the School of Art and Design are producing mock-up bandstand designs as part of a live brief.

The collaboration will see three of the designs shown at the launch to demonstrate the progress from concept to completion. 

Three sponsored internships will also be offered to Interior Architecture students - made possible by Rotary Club funding.

Students and faculty members will also be on hand to discuss their work.

Local musical groups will also be performing at the Launch, to give the attendees a 'taster' of the talent that Luton has within the area.

The Bandstand Project was launched in February 2014 and has the support of the Heritage Trust, Luton Council, Luton Culture and the University, as well as many other local organisations.

Additionally, local MPs Kelvin Hopkins, Andrew Selous, and Gavin Shuker have given their wholehearted backing to the project and will be attending the launch event.

The Bandstand Project is also grateful to have the support of the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, which is promoting the Project and Corporate Launch to not only their members, but other prominent businesses within the community.

Cheryl Smart MBE, Chief Executive of the Chamber said: "The creation of a new iconic bandstand in Wardown Park will be fantastic for the local community. The Chamber has been fully supportive of this project and is looking forward to seeing some creative designs by our local students. We fully expect the bandstand to become a future landmark for Luton."

A number of fundraising events will take place over the summer, culminating in the Corporate Launch at Luton Hoo in September.

Building the Bandstand is part of a major project to refurbish and renovate Wardown Park. Once complete, this new venue will be available for all Luton community groups, bands and orchestras as well as for exhibitions and theatre; providing a focal point for community events in the Park.

Alan Corkhill, Chairman of the Rotary Bandstand Steering Committee, said: "The new Bandstand will be an excellent addition to Wardown Park and will prove a social centre of activity for the community. It signifies long term investment in Luton and has the full support of the local Council, MP's, Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, as well as the University and local businesses. The Corporate Launch will be an exciting opportunity for attendees to find out more about the project, see mock up designs from students, and network with local businesses and associations."

To find out more about the project visit www.rytl.org.uk