Rinks in harmony

MUSIC and historic researcher Gavin Holman was studying bands and musicians when he found details of a thriving network of Edwardian rollerskating rinks across the country, many with their own brass band or string band to entertain the skaters.

“The number of rinks – and the number that had brass bands – is quite surprising,” he says. “I suppose in those days they would do anything for novelty and to pull in the punters.

“Brass bands at the time were very strong in Scotland. Industries like linen and mining echoed with brass band music. It was part of the community, and they would have provided entertainment for the skaters.

“And despite what people think about the Victorians and Edwardians, they were very hot on entertainment. They didn’t have anything else to do.”

In the first four days of opening, over 3,500 people were admitted, with over 1,000 skating.

“The roller rink also arranged carnivals with fancy dress at various times along with special events such as sports nights. Admission and skate hire prices were more expensive for these. Roller hockey was played by the staff and then a club was formed, and their matches became part of the programme as a spectator attraction.

“At the end of 1910 and into 1911, entertainment was introduced at intervals during the evening sessions. This started with cinematograph shows and then wrestling exhibitions were also staged.

“This was clearly to boost admissions with spectators.”