A community group has launched a £20,000 fundraising bid to buy a dilapidated bandstand and bring it back to its former glory.

The Gordon Road Area Street Scheme, known as GRASS, has been chosen by Thanet District Council to take on the freehold of the Oval bandstand and lawns in Cliftonville.

But the group needs to raise the huge sum to pay the legal fees for the transfer.

Once the bandstand is theirs, the team wants to upgrade the facility so it can be used for events, such as music festivals, Christmas markets, outdoor theatre and even 80s-style wrestling.

GRASS secretary Stephen Darrer says they are the first community group to undertake a transfer of this type in Margate and they plan to run the site as a not-for-profit community social enterprise.

"We have some great plans to renovate the currently dilapidated site and bring it back into use," he said.

The group was selected in August by the council to take on the freehold of the Oval bandstand and lawns, as part of a community asset transfer.

'Right now, we need to pay the legal fees for the transfer of the freehold' - GRASS Cliftonville

"We have proved beyond doubt that the bandstand and surrounding area can once again thrive, and we look forward to restoring this stunning asset back to its former glory for the benefit of all," Mr Darrer said.

"But we need your help.

"Right now, we need to pay the legal fees for the transfer of the freehold.

"We also need to do some urgent infrastructure work to make the site safe, upgrade the electrics in the kiosk, instal CCTV, and repaint the beautiful bandstand to prevent any further damage by the elements.

"We are really keen to reopen the kiosk and the toilets for the 2021 summer season so that walkers, cyclists, and bathers at Walpole Bay have access to these essential facilities.

"The kiosk will be used as a community café.

"All profits will be reinvested to help support The Oval site, as the whole operation will be run as a 'not-for-profit' social enterprise business.

"Most importantly, we want the community to have easy access to the site, and we look forward to building relationships so that we can help other community groups and charities use this amazing community asset."

Mr Darrer says they are offering great rewards to entice people to get donating.

"We have tickets for our version of Glastonbury which is called Grasstonbury, our live music day at the bandstand, and tickets for our popular outdoor cinema," he said.

To donate visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/cliftonville-oval-bandstand-community-space-1.

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet