ORGANISERS of the Ilkley Bandstand project have announced that the fundraising target has been reached.

Spokesman Philip Chinque said: "It has been a long haul. Fundraising started 12 months ago and until very recently it was not completely clear that sufficient funds would have been received to ensure completion of the project this season.

"Our decision to go ahead even with the possibility of a shortfall has been vindicated. Not only have we reached our target, we will have a surplus to endow the Trust that will take over responsibility for managing the bandstand for the community."

Over the next few weeks, benches, flagstones and plaques have to be delivered and engraved with the names of sponsors.

The design team has confirmed that arrangements are well in hand to complete both the landscaping and the structure before the hand-over to the community. In the next week or so the flower beds will also have been planted.

Mr Chinque said: "As previously announced, the hand-over will be on Saturday, September 29, at 2pm, in front of the former Grove Convalescent Hospital on The Grove.

"The Ilkley Music Centre has agreed to 'christen' the bandstand and will provide a programme of musical entertainment."

The £70,000 project will be officially opened by television personality Richard Whiteley, who lives in Burley Woodhead. Mr Chinque said: "The suggestion has been made that some may wish to don Victorian dress to echo

the Victorian connection with bandstands. This is a delightful idea and we would very much welcome such a gesture.

"We hope that many of the people who have been involved in or who have

supported the creation of this bandstand will be present and will be glad to welcome those who just happen to be passing."