Rock concert tribute to Bingham (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Rock concert tribute to Bingham

CELEBRATIONS in honour of arguably Cirencester's greatest benefactor will be music to the ears of local bands.

'Bingham Rocks' - a showcase for young musicians - will be staged at the Corn Hall in September.

It is the latest in a series of events designed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Bingham Library, which was given to the town by Daniel Bingham.

Local bands, who want to be considered for a slot, are invited to send a CD or tape to the event organisers.

Town councillor Shirley Alexander, who is leading the centenary working group, said: "We've had events for youngsters and lectures for older members of the community so we felt we wanted to do something to target the age group in between.

"We want people to have fun and music is an important part of what Daniel Bingham wanted to share with people.

"He was very keen on people fulfilling their potential."

The Bingham Library, in Dyer Street, which is now called Bingham House, was completed in September 1905.

It was opened by the then Earl Bathurst in front of a large crowd and cost £50,000 to build and maintain.

The library is now home to the town council chamber and offices and will be used as a gallery in September to display the Bingham Collection of paintings and photographs, charting the history of Cirencester.

Mr Bingham also built the Bingham Hall in King Street and enhanced facilities at the Memorial Hospital in Sheep Street.

Mrs Alexander hopes the Corn Hall event, on September 3, will raise Daniel Bingham's profile among the younger generation.

Bands interested in performing should send their demos to Claire Newport, senior events officer, Cotswold District Council, Trinity Road, Cirencester, GL7 1PX, by July 21.

Envelopes should be marked 'Bingham Rocks'.

* The Bingham Collection, which features many works not usually accessible to the public, is due to open on September 21.