Ormskirk’s bandstand hosts Olympic goodbye

Sep 20 2012 by Jamie Bowman, Ormskirk Advertiser

VISITORS to Ormskirk’s Coronation Park enjoyed an afternoon of music as the town celebrated the last day of the Olympic summer.

Resound Community Choir hosted the event on Sunday, September 9, which was opened by the Mayor, Cllr Paul Greenall.

A succession of bands and performers took to the stage, including Merseyside duo The Rag Tag Misfits and acoustic singer-songwriter Cameron Cockbain.

Sixteen-year-old saxophonist, James Fraser also made an appearance, and the choir closed the afternoon with a medley of songs from the South Seas, and others including a close harmony rendition of Old Cape Cod.

Event programmer for the Ormskirk Bandstand Marathon, Cecilia Cook, said “It was a wonderful afternoon of musical entertainment.

“Just to look at people’s faces is enough to know that all the hard work in organising the event was worth it.

“Everyone looked happy to be there, and the weather was a bonus.”

Recognised by Olympic organisers LOCOG as the biggest community event of the London 2012 Festival closing celebration, the Bandstand Marathon saw hundreds of events in bandstands and other open spaces happening across the UK.

Lord Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, said: "The Bandstand Marathon is encouraging local music groups to fulfil their potential.

“I am proud that we are delivering our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in creating a cultural legacy post-London 2012.”

The Bandstand Marathon has prompted a revival in the interest in the country’s bandstands.

Nick Smith, director of Superact, the organisation behind the nationwide marathon, said: “This year, there were 250 events happening all over the country, with all kinds of music.”