After years of work, the community of Southend is preparing to open its new band hall at a grand opening event on Saturday.

Simon Jobb, a PBCN councillor for Southend, says they began planning the project two years ago and it has been under construction for roughly seven months.

“Once we had the blessing of the community, then we started planning on how we were going to do this and sat down with whoever we needed to sit down with,” said Jobb.

“We’re going to have a good celebration in regards to all the hard work and the hours put into this work on a place we haven’t had in quite a few years in our community. People are very, very excited.”

Jobb says that the facility will be utilized for a number of activities, including sporting events, bingo fundraisers and weddings. It will also play a key role in the community’s winter festival.

“This will be the first year that our winter festival committee utilizes this building,” said Jobb. “They’re very happy that it’s going to happen, and they’re looking forward to using the building.”

The grand opening will begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday and will feature a ribbon-cutting event, a supper, entertainment and a dance.

(PHOTO: New band hall in Southend. Photo by Pauline Clarke.)