The spectacular permanent roof canopy was craned into position on 20th November 2025, after years of planning and fundraising.

The roof was designed and built by Tensile Fabric Structures, who also provided the canopy at nearby Beechenhurst’s cafe.

The steel structure arrived at the lower car park in large pieces. Great care had to be taken to protect both the team involved, and the pieces of painted steel; a forklift truck was needed to lift each piece carefully into place, where it was held steady and bolted to the next piece. The shape, which resembles a pringle, was supported on steel frames as it was erected. Remarkably, the car park proved just big enough for the entire circular structure to fit.

The canopy was then unfolded and fixed onto the structure with hundreds of bolts. All this took place during the coldest week of the winter so far…but at least it wasn’t raining!

The structure was then attached to the crane with chains, and the load calculated to make sure that everything would go smoothly. It took several attempts to get the circular structure to balance perfectly as it was lifted off the ground.

It was lifted up and over the Bandstand, and was slowly lowered onto the pillars. The crane continued to take the weight whilst the position of the pillars was perfected, and the team worked on as darkness fell to secure the whole structure.

There are plenty of finishing touches to do, but the canopy roof is now in place – and hopefully will remain for many years to come, giving the Bandstand a stable future as an iconic outdoor venue for the Forest.

Friends of Scarr Bandstand would like to thank Tensile Fabric Structures for a great job, and everyone who has supported this major project. Huge thanks for funding from:

Arts Council England

Forest of Dean District Council

West Dean Parish Council

Newland Parish Council

Coleford Town Council

Forest of Dean Lions

Royal Forest of Dean Rotary Club

Watts Trust Fund

Gloucestershire Brass Band Association

David Pennell in memory of his father Jim Pennell

Terena and Graham Stayte

Fiona and Peter Leathart

Jill and Ken Horseman in memory of Gwe