Rethinking bandstand

Run as an exciting competition, this education project invited local young people to consider how their school could use the Irvine bandstand.

St Mark's Primary have now been chosen as the winners in the competition and will get support from us to relocate the bandstand in their school grounds.

The other three schools who were shortlisted in the competition also overwhelmed judges with their motivation, skills and enthusiasm for the project. As a result they will also winning exciting runner-up awards, tailored to the needs and aspirations of each school. We will post full details of these next week.

About the project

Just now its home is in the Bridgegate, but Irvine's bandstand needed a new location and a brand new purpose. This Regeneration Youth project was designed to involve local young people in an exciting curriculum-related project which will help them develop new skills as well as taking part in the regeneration of the area.

The reason for moving the bandstand is a major refurbishment of the Bridgegate. A new piece of public art by Peter McCaughey will become the centrepiece of the new development, so it's time for the bandstand to make a move.

This project represents a real opportunity for local young people to make their mark on the town centre, suggesting where the bandstand should be located and what its new role might be. The bandstand could become somewhere to think, to study, to stage performances, chair debates or simply chill out.

The deadline for entering the competition has now passed and four schools were shortlisted. Following phenomenal entries from all four shortlisted schools, St Mark's Primary were awarded the bandstand.

You'll find lots of chat about it all on our Facebook page.

Two schools presented their case using video:

Greenwood Academy, Irvine
St Mark's Primary, Irvine

Two schools presented their case on paper:

Irvine Royal Academy, Irvine
Auchenharvie Academy, Stevenston

These four schools all had a chance to put their case in person to a panel of judges from Irvine Bay on 24th February. Following outstanding presentations - see a podcast of the presentations here.

Hear what teachers and pupils have to say about the win at St Mark's Primary.

Curriculum for Excellence

This project was designed to promote skills for life including teamwork, communication, creativity and IT. Building new partnerships with external organisations will be a key element of the project.

Regeneration Youth

Our Regeneration Youth strategy is about actively engaging the young people of Irvine Bay in the future of their area. The projects we develop are designed to connect local young people with regeneration both in and out of the classroom, and help them benefit directly from it.

In the news

Everyone a winner in bandstand competition 1 March 2012
Bandstand judges left with the toughest of choices 28 February 2012
Chequered flag falls on race for the bandstand 6 February 2012
Only a few days left to win that bandstand 20 January 2012
Race for bandstand enters final lap 20 January 2012 

Artist Peter McCaughey explains what you need to know to take part in the competition.

Re-thinking bandstand 

We'd like answers to some big questions

To win, you'll need to tell us:

• Where would you relocate it?
• What would you use it for?
• How would you look after it?
• What other groups could you work with?
• How can you build an audience?
• If you plan to re-equip or refurbish it, what other funds can you get your hands on?
• What difference will it make to you?

Upload your 2 minute video entry on the bandstand channel.

www.youtube.com/irvinebandstand
username:  bandstand@irvinebay.co.uk
password:   competition1

Or send your 500 word written submission to 

bandstand@irvinebay.co.uk

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES 31st JANUARY 2012