LIVE entertainment will return to a Ramsbottom park this summer after the refurbishment of part of its bandstand was completed.

For the first time in decades, Nuttall Park will play host to a number of live events after work to renovate the stonework on the stage's plinth was finished.

The stage was constructed in 1929, a year after Colonel Austin Townsend Porritt donated the park to the people of Ramsbottom.

In its early years, it was used regularly as a performance space to entertain the public, however, its wrought iron structure was deemed unsafe and removed in the 1950s.

Concerts continued for a while but eventually the bandstand fell into disrepair until a Bury Council grant earlier this year helped Ramsbottom Heritage Society carry out the stonework.

Work to rebuild the bandstand’s ornate canopy, fully restoring it to its former glory, is expected to start later this year.

But in the meantime, entertainment is set to return to the park this month when Hazlehurst Brass Band and entertainer Lee Grant perform from 2pm on Sunday, May 12.

Other performances will come from the Goodshaw Band on June 9, Bury Music Centre on July 14 and the Tangled Dance Company on August 4 at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm.

Gwenda Newton, chair of the Friends of Nuttall Park group, said: "We've finally

got the stone base back looking ship-shape, so now we're looking to further fundraising to put back the lovely old ironwork and canopy.

"We have been overwhelmed by people's enthusiasm when we told them about the series of summer concerts, and are really excited to be getting this kind of thing back in our park.”

The group is encouraging people to bring along picnics, and The Base will be open for drinks and snacks.

Admission is free, and refreshments will be provided on a donation basis.