Open possibilities for Queens Park Arena

It has taken years of volunteering and around £300,000 — but the bandstand, burned down in 1996, has now been restored and revamped, thanks to the Queens Park Arena group set up by surrounding community councils.

Member Bob Marshall told The Extra: “Nearly 1,000 people came to our first launch event, with just a temporary stage.

“We’ve since doubled the size of the toilet block, added changing rooms and a little kiosk to open during performances.

“It’s not just a theatre space, and we’re hoping that people will come along and get some ideas — someone has even asked to have their wedding there, which is great.”

First up on stage is Scottish Opera, with a 20 minute taster of an upcoming Puccini production this Sunday (May 18).

A Little Bit of Madama Butterfly is on at at 1pm and 3pm — and best of all, it’s free to watch.

Following is a Commonwealth Games event on June 21, with music and food to celebrate the links between Scotland and the Asian commonwealth countries, in honour of the southside’s large Asian community.

Bob added: “We’ve heard so much from locals who remember Sunday afternoon outings to the bandstand and we want to bring that back.

“It’s a community asset, and our hope is to attract the southside community to come together and use it.

“It’s been a struggle raising the money to reinstate the arena and having to deal with technical issues — but it’s all paying off now.”

For more info on the project and upcoming events, visit www.queensparkarena.org.uk.