DESPITE the loss of Bewdley's bandstand, performers still have somewhere to showcase their particular brands of entertainment in a new "green" theatre.

The open-air facility, in the town's Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens, opened recently and cost £10,000. It was the brainchild of Bewdley Civic Society, to partly replace the former bandstand, which was demolished in flood alleviation work.

Funding for the project was provided by Wyre Forest District Council, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and economic regeneration group, Opportunity Bewdley.

Councillor Stephen Clee, leader of the district council, said: "The green theatre is an innovative project, which, we hope, will become a focal point for the community.

"It makes theatre inclusive for everyone - visitors and performers. Local bands have been commissioned to perform concerts and it will also be enjoyed by local schoolchildren on field trips to Bewdley Museum.

"It will enable local community groups, schools and the museum to hold displays and events for the whole community."

A new disabled access has been installed as part of the project, making the park and museum more inclusive.

Wood used in the theatre's construction came from managed forests around Bewdley. The Forestry Commission and Environment Agency played major roles in the scheme, providing the timber at a reduced cost and providing free plant and labour, respectively.

The theatre has already staged its first concert, which marked the official opening, on Sunday, July 10 and further concerts are lined up for August.

They are: Sunday, August 7, Sax Matters, Sunday, August 14, The Celtic Rogues, Sunday, August 21, Quattro Gento and Sunday, August 26, The Red Snappers. All run from 2pm until 4pm.