Students present their designs for a bandstand of the future

Tue 23 September, 2014

University of Bedfordshire graduates and students presented their design ideas, for how a contemporary bandstand could look like in Luton, in front of more than 100 local dignitaries.

At the Corporate Launch Event of the Rotary Bandstand at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa, three graduates and a current student from the University’s School of Art and Design demonstrated their concepts for the bandstand, due to sit in Wardown Park.

Tommy Bonsali, Muhammad Usman, Michelle Janya Barratt and Natalie Adubofour displayed models of their designs and then spoke to the audience about the research behind their project – organised as part of an internship scheme setup between the University and the four Rotary Clubs of Luton, which along with the Rotary Youth Trust for Luton, have joined together to design and build the bandstand.

A concept model of the bandstand

Natalie (below, right), 20, a third-year Interior Architecture student, said completing the internship had been a fantastic experience.

“Being a part of this project was really good as it has given me an insight of the working industry. We had to do a lot of research into the history of Luton, what would make a good bandstand for Luton in particular, as well what would make a good contemporary bandstand. Then having to present it in front of many people was nerve-wracking, but it has given me a lot of confidence and it is something I will take with me for the future.”

Students on the bandstand internship programme with George Lovett Senior Lecturer Interior Design

The aim of the event was to encourage local businesses and people from the community to show their support for the Rotary Bandstand for Luton project and help to spread the word for everyone in Luton to ‘Join In’!

Rotary members from all four clubs were present to talk through the project on Wednesday 10 September and highlight the benefits it would bring to all the people of Luton.

To showcase the talent that Luton has to offer, guests were treated to spine-tingling and toe-tapping performances from the Luton Youth Cantores, Luton Youth Jazz Orchestra and, the newly reformed, Luton Band.

A Justgiving page has been set up for anyone to donate to the project however big or small. Visit: www.justgiving.com/rotary-bandstand-luton

To find out more about the project visit: www.rotarybandstand.org