Bandshell History

The history of the bandshell dates back to April 18, 1900 when a meeting was held by the Bracebridge Board of Trade to establish a park commemorating Private Fred Wasdell, a local citizen enlisted with the 3^rd Victoria Rifles of Montreal and “E” Company Royal Canadian Contingent for active service in the Boer War, who died from wounds on February 27, 1900, in Paardeberg, South Africa.

During the early 1900's an octagonal wooden structure was moved from the intersection of Dominion Street and Manitoba Street to Memorial Park. Later, between 1929-1933, a new larger roofless bandshell with lighting fixtures was constructed and later completed with pillars and a roof through a donation from local businessman, George W. Ecclestone.

Through the years the bandshell has seen multiple improvements from the structure to the gardens surrounding, such as the 2002 project that saw bandshell restored with a new roof and support beams. Ongoing maintenance projects have been completed by Town staff and others repairing components of the bandshell, painting the structure and maintain the gardening.