The Bandstand in Sandown is blending its vibrant restaurant offering with a touch of theatre magic, thanks to the vision of West End star Earl Carpenter and the team behind Off the Rails in Yarmouth.
With the addition of a dedicated performance stage, the seaside venue is set to offer unique entertainment alongside its renowned dining, bringing together food and live performance in a way that honours its rich history.
The festive season kicks off on Saturday 30th November, with The Bandstand’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. This milestone event features a special ABBA Sing-Along, led by Earl’s West End friends, including performers from The Phantom of the Opera and Matilda. With iconic hits and plenty of audience participation, it’s the perfect way to mark this historic occasion.
December brings a lineup of events to delight audiences of all ages…
Breakfast with SantaPaws (Sunday 15th and Sunday 22nd December) is a heartwarming treat for the whole family – furry friends included!
Humans can enjoy a delicious breakfast while pups are spoiled with a FREE festive meal, a special doggy bag, and a photo with SantaPaws. There’s even a prize for the best-dressed Christmas pup, so bring out those holiday outfits for a morning of festive fun.
For those craving something different, Karen’s Christmas Diner (Friday 6th December) offers an uproarious, adults-only dining experience where sarcasm is on the menu.
Hosted by the hilariously sharp trio of Mark ‘Ginge’ Bennett, Ellie Gee, and Jordan Pendlebury, this 18+ event features silly games, cringe-worthy comedy, and intentionally rude service. Perfect for bold friend groups and office parties, it’s a laugh-out-loud night of festive chaos.
Finally, Earl returns to the stage for Bah Humbug! A Reluctant Show Tune Spectacle (20th & 21st December).
Joined by West End star Natalie Green (Les Misérables, Wicked, Prince of Egypt), Earl delivers a humour-filled evening of show tunes and Christmas classics, reluctantly infused with holiday spirit. Featuring hits from Les Misérables, Frozen, and more, it’s a festive musical celebration with Earl’s signature wit.
Earl hopes the addition of The Bandstand’s new stage will open doors for the Isle of Wight community to experience unique entertainment blending local talent with stars from the West End.
With a variety of events to suit every taste, this festive season promises to celebrate The Bandstand’s legacy while creating new memories for years to come.
Find out more about all the events being held at The Bandstand by visiting https://www.thebandstandsandown.co.uk/thebandstandstage.
You can put lipstick on a pig but it is still a pig