are those bathing huts to the right of the photo?
There's an old bathing machine backed up to the stage - you can see one of its wheels.
I agree Shaun & I thought I could see more wheels by the huts to the right. I'm still intrigued by the object that appears to be on top of a pedestal 
(on the right of the stage & in the crowd)
Keith
It seems to be directed towards the stage, and have a kind of chimney on top. Could it be a portable limelight to direct lighting onto the stage (covered to protect it from the weather, but with a vent). Since it is daylight, presumably it is not in use so not dangerous to stand next to.
None of the audience seem to carry flags or pins, (nor smiling that much at all!), so I don't think its a celebration like Empire Day or a Coronation. The lack of young men also suggests it wasn't a 'holiday', but probably a normal working day with some Irish touring troupe (called "W.B.") entertaining people on a beach somewhere. It could have been a political lecture with entertainment thrown in to draw the crowds.
