A FAMOUS venues bandstand has been torn apart and destroyed by Storm Eunice.

The De La Warr Pavilion Bandstand in Bexhill suffered “irrecoverable” damage during the storm on Thursday.

It came after Sussex was upgraded to a rare red weather warning, with gusts of wind reaching 122mph in some areas of the UK.

A De La Warr Pavilion spokeswoman said: “Luckily no-one was hurt but unfortunately the damage to the bandstand is irrecoverable.

“There is no damage to the actual building and no shows are affected at this stage.”

The Argus: The De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill prior to the damaged caused by Storm Eunice The De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill prior to the damaged caused by Storm Eunice

The piece of architecture was installed 20 years ago and was a popular attraction for visitors and tourists to the town.

The bandstand was designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects in conversation with Bexhill school children, and had a number of names including The Whale Tail, the Sea Shell and The Heart.

The spokeswoman continued: “Awarded the Regional RIBA Prize in 2002, the bandstand has been at heart of our most democratic of spaces – the south terrace – and platformed international artists such as Eddie Izzard, Keane and Jeremy Deller’s Acid Brass.

“It has been a springboard for first outings for local bands that became famous such as Mumm-Ra, and our many talented community choirs, musicians and groups.

“We invite you to share with us your stories of the bandstand – whether you appeared on it, danced in front of it, sat in a deckchair listening to music, had your wedding photograph taken on it, or were one of the original schoolchildren who helped design it – any memory or photograph to celebrate 20 years of the bandstand being part of our story would be fantastic to see.”