Once there was a time when no self-respecting public venue was complete without its own band or orchestra and Southampton’s Royal Pier was no exception.

This photograph taken in 1908 shows the bandstand and some of the visitors, including two youngsters standing next to a cannon, strolling on the wooden deck of the pier.

During the days before the First World War the Royal Pier was a firm favourite with Southampton people who would flock in their hundreds to the Victorian structure to idle away the hours, enjoy the sea air and listen to the music that was played on the ornate bandstand.

The bandstand with its distinctive onion dome was at the end of the pier and featured decorative wrought iron work and Southampton's coat of arms.