What a summer it has been for music on the riverside! From the first notes in May to the final performance in August, Bands on the Bandstand 2026 brought a stream of fun, sunny afternoons and free live music to Chepstow’s Riverside Bandstand.
Across 3 months, audiences enjoyed an impressively varied programme, with everything from rock, folk and punk, to swing, jazz and blues, to choirs and brass bands, with lots of local talent on show.
The line-up included The Alternatives, The Singing Club with Emilie Parry-Williams, Don’t Tell Johnny, Ian Philips Swing Band, Chepstow Pride artists, Alys Hardy & Paid Gofyn, Swingcopation, Chepstow Male Voice Choir, The Blues Conspirators, Chepstow Town Band, Fat Dad & David Hanratty, New Riverside Jazz Band, and Severn Tunnel Band.
With some glorious summer weather on their side, crowds gathered with picnics and chairs, danced on the grass and enjoyed the riverside setting with family and friends.
John from the band Don’t Tell Johnny, said: “A fantastic summer meant Bands on the Bandstand was well attended every Sunday. As well as playing with Don’t Tell Johnny, where we had a blast, I attended quite a few others too. I’d like to congratulate Chepstow Town Council and Caron Baker for putting on a fun, vibrant and varied programme over the summer to keep everyone entertained and supporting live music and musicians!”
He added, “It was great to see so many groups enjoying picnics and using it as an opportunity to meet up with family and friends and have a great, chilled afternoon in the sun. Long may it continue. The format is great and seems to be going from strength to strength each year. Looking forward to BoB 2027!!
The events also saw support from Keep Chepstow Tidy, with volunteers Steve and Hilary attending most of the gigs and carrying out a litter pick afterwards. “It was great as it meant we got to see the bands before having a tidy up afterwards,” said Steve. “People were pretty good at taking their rubbish home with them and using the recycling bins so we didn’t have too much to pick up. My highlights? Favourite band: Don’t Tell Johnny. Most interesting litter: a gold ring!”
Keep Chepstow Tidy is a voluntary group working to prevent and remove litter from streets and green spaces in Chepstow and the surrounding area. Anyone is welcome to join a pick – visit their Facebook page or our What’s On page for details of the next one on 26th September.
A huge thank you to all the performers, volunteers and everyone who came along, enjoyed and helped make Bands on the Bandstand another brilliant summer celebration of live music and community in Chepstow.
Here’s to BoB 2027!
Photos:
Don’t Tell Johnny perform at the Bandstand
People enjoy performances at the Bandstand
Members of Keep Chepstow Tidy litter picking
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