Molinnis Park is a site with deep roots in Cornish community life. Long recognised as the former home of Bugle FC, the ground hosted decades of footballing history before the club sadly folded around the turn of the millennium following financial pressures, vandalism and the destruction of its clubhouse by fire. Despite this, the site has remained an important and symbolic community space.
In 2026, Molinnis Park will take on renewed national prominence as it hosts the West of England Bandsmen’s Festival, with the 100th Contest being held on Saturday 20 June 2026.
This landmark centenary event is expected to attract bands, visitors and spectators from across the country — and notably, members of the Royal Family are expected to attend, underlining the importance of the occasion and the need for the site to meet the highest standards of public safety.
One of the most significant safety concerns was the roof of the former grandstand. Constructed from ageing corrugated asbestos cement sheets, it posed a clear risk to the public and significantly increased insurance costs for the site’s stakeholders. With large crowds — and high-profile attendees — expected for the centenary contest, addressing this hazard was essential.
As part of our Social Value commitments, Gwella Contracting Services Ltd donated our asbestos removal services to the project. Our specialist team safely removed the asbestos roof in full compliance with UK legislation, eliminating the risk and helping to make the area safe for public use.
These works mean Molinnis Park is now a safer, more secure environment — capable of hosting a nationally significant cultural event and welcoming large audiences, dignitaries and royalty alike.
Supporting a project that protects public safety while enabling the continuation of a century-old musical tradition reflects the very purpose of Social Value. We’re proud that our work has helped prepare Molinnis Park for an event of such historic and international importance.
“I’ve worked with Gwella on numerous projects over the years. I am touched by their kindness to support our event by providing help to prepare Molinnis Park for an event of such historic and international importance.”
– Rob Faro
