SHOWERS failed to dampen the spirits of the people who visited a popular Bromsgrove park to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee and the opening of the commemorative bandstand on Monday.

Town residents turned out in their hundreds to Sanders Park in Kidderminster Road for the BBC Music Live event, organised by Bromsgrove District Council, to see Lord and Lady Cobham unveil the controversial new bandstand.

The rain did relent to allow the many planned outdoor celebrations around the town and surrounding villages to enjoy the sunshine which had blessed similar Jubilee events over the weekend.

At the opening ceremony in Sanders Park Lord Cobham was particularly impressed with the effort that had gone into building the bandstand and the wonderful way it marked the Jubilee.

The Band of the West Mercia Constabulary kicked off the musical extravaganza followed by a varied programme of events including the Worcestershire Jazz Orchestra, Midland Sinfonia and the national sing-along of the Beatles classic All You Need is Love.

Former district council cabinet member, Councillor Terri Matthews (Con-Furlongs), who had done much of the spadework in organising the event, said: "I hope that everyone will have the chance to enjoy the bandstand in the future.

"We are planning a summer programme of events, where bands will come and play from 2pm to 4pm on Sundays and entertainment will be put on for the children."

She also dispelled fears the bandstand would be a target for vandals. She said: "We cannot let them win.

"It is within the view of CCTV cameras but we'll have to trust the public will have enough appreciation for the bandstand to keep an eye on it."

Council leader, Cllr Dennis Norton (Con-Norton), said: "The main thing is to involve the people of Bromsgrove.

"We would like to set up a bandstand committee to determine future events and leisure programmes.

"It belongs to the people of Bromsgrove so it is only right they have the opportunity to have an input as to the way we use it.

"Anyone interested should contact me at the council."

Visitors to the park also enjoyed a treasure hunt, sports activities and face painting. The day ended with a spectacular firework finale.

Elsewhere in the district people, young and old let their hair down to celebrate the royal occasion.

Fairfield folk congregated at the Village Hall in Stourbridge Road for a barn dance and disco, while a puppet show entertained the youngsters.

In Lickey End, Barnt Green and Aston Fields, enthusiastic party revellers danced the day away with celebratory street parties and Stoke Prior residents enjoyed a Jubilee service at St Michael's Church in Hanbury Road on Sunday.