The Storm Cone traces the site of Victoria Park’s lost bandstand which was an original feature of this Victorian park.
The first ever bandstand concert was held in Victoria Park on 4 June 1883. Live bands and concerts quickly became regular summer entertainment in the park and often attracted thousands of people. Paying customers got a seat in a fenced enclosure, but anyone could listen to the music from across the park.
Civilian and military bands regularly played popular tunes – but dancing was strictly forbidden until the 1920s. It was felt that it would lead to unruly and improper behaviour! Fortunately, by 1922, dancing was finally permitted at the bandstand just in time for the Charleston craze sweeping the world from 1923.
The tradition of live music continues to present day with regular entertainment programmes running across the summer months.
You can stay up to date with what’s on at Victoria Park here
About Victoria Park
Victoria Park was created in 1878 following the removal of the town fortifications, the council leased the land from the Ministry of War to create Portsmouth’s first public park.
Having commissioned a leading landscape architect, Alexander Mckenzie, the area was transformed from open scrubland to a beautifully cultivated park with open lawns, promenades, flowers and trees in absolute contrast to the cramped conditions of Portsea and Landport.
Since 2021, Victoria Park has received £3.3m of investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Portsmouth City Council to preserve the heritage of the park and ensure its stories are remembered into future generations of the people of Portsmouth.
You can find out more about Victoria Park here
Access
Victoria Park is open all day, every day from dawn until dusk. It is conveniently placed for transport links, pedestrian and cycle routes. The nearest train station is Portsmouth and Southsea.
There is pay-and-display parking available around the park.
Please note dogs are not permitted in Victoria Park with the exception of guidance and assistance dogs.