CNE Bandshell

The CNE Bandshell is an open-air concert venue in Toronto, Canada. Built in 1936, it is located at Exhibition Place on the Lake Ontario lake shore. It hosts the annual music program of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and is also used for festivals and picnic events, for which the "Bandshell Park" can be rented from the City of Toronto.

Description

Inspired by the Hollywood Bowl, the Art Deco-styled Bandshell was built in 1936 according to designs prepared by the Toronto architectural firm of Craig and Madill. It cost CA$47,000 ($809 thousand in 2016 dollars) to construct. The building has two-and-a-half dressing rooms, an office, a "green room", a "switch room" and a sound room. The stage is 338 square metres (3,640 sq ft) in size.

The adjacent green space is known as Bandshell Park. In the north-east corner of the park is the Exhibition Place Carillon. At the north-side of the park is the "Garden of the Greek Gods" collection of sculptures.

History

The Bandshell was dedicated on August 28, 1936 by Toronto Mayor Sam McBride and the Lord Mayor of London Sir Percy Vincent at the opening of the Canadian National Exhibition. Highlighting the initial musical program was the Kneller Hall Band of Great Britain and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.