Music on the Bandstand: Enjoy Live Bands at the Museum
Bandstands became popular in Britain during the 19th and early 20th centuries as focal points for community life, providing a dedicated space for brass bands and local musicians to entertain crowds in parks, seaside resorts, and town greens. They symbolised civic pride and offered affordable public entertainment, especially on summer weekends and holidays. Even into the post-war years, bandstands continued to bring communities together through music and celebration.
The Finsbury Circus Bandstand at Chiltern Open Air Museum reflects this enduring tradition, capturing the spirit of mid-20th-century community gatherings with a season of live outdoor performances.
Chorleywood Jazz - 10 May
Chorleywood Jazz started in 2018 when The Russell School asked Chorleywood Music to create a jazz band to play at their summer fair and they haven’t looked back since!
The band’s Jazz repertoire includes hits spanning the 20th Century. They love playing for the community and for charity and have played at Chenies Manor, Chorleywood Christmas Festival, Chorleywood Summer Village Day, Community D Day and VE Day Celebrations, birthday parties and several local care homes.
Chiltern Hills Brass - 17 May
Chiltern Hills Brass has a proud heritage stretching back to the late 19th century, evolving through a series of successful and well-known bands including the Hillingdon Band and the John Laing Hendon Band. Renamed in 2012 to reflect its home in High Wycombe, the band continues a tradition of musical excellence, with numerous contest successes and a lasting connection to renowned composer Philip Sparke.
Bottlefolk - 12 July
Enjoy a relaxing day of folk music on the bandstand with acts from local folk event Bottlefolk.
If you'd like to attend multiple Museum events and general admission days, you can save money by purchasing an Annual Membership
General Museum Information
With 45 acres at your disposal, there is plenty to explore, including woodlands and an exciting adventure playground
Dogs on short leads are welcome but must not go inside residential buildings
Light lunches, drinks, cakes and snacks are available to purchase from our Skippings Barn
Sensory backpacks are available to borrow (subject to availability)
Mobility scooters are available to borrow (subject to availability - pre-booking is advised)
Lots of free parking
Photography and filming may take place during this event for the Museum archives and publicity. These photographs and video footage may appear in promotional or educational materials including on our websites, social media pages, newsletters, or in newspapers and magazines. If you do not wish to be photographed, please speak to the photographer.