Thousands gather for a brilliant BRASS-travaganza

More than 35,000 people experienced the return of the much-loved festival, which is one of the highlights of our annual events programme.

Featuring free concerts in communities, performances in schools and care homes, a full programme of lively street bands and world-famous musicians performing at Gala Durham and Durham Cathedral, the week-long festival celebrated brass music in all its forms.  

'Back in all its glory'

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "What an incredible week it has been for County Durham. It has been fantastic to see BRASS back in all its glory and spreading the joy of music across our communities.

"To see so many people come together once again after the pandemic, from young children to older residents, is very special. We are determined that everyone should be able to access cultural opportunities and this festival truly highlights how culture can help us to transform communities, bring people together and raise aspirations."

In total, 35,365 people joined in with BRASS, including 12,083 pupils at 56 schools.

North east duo Field Music kicked off the festival, which also saw two headline performances take place inside the spectacular setting of Durham Cathedral. The UNESCO World Heritage Site hosted LYR, fronted by current Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, with The Easington Colliery Band, and Richard Hawley performing with NASUWT Riverside Band.

Bringing the party to the people 

Big and Mini BRASS Bashes then brought the party to the people throughout the week, with a series of free community concerts in Trimdon, Willington, Crook, Seaham, Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland.

Italian band Girlesque performing at Crook's Big Brass Bash

To celebrate the final weekend of the festival, Streets of Brass took over Durham City with two days of free musical mayhem. Spanish favourites Artistas del Gremio, Italy's Bandakadabra, Back Chat Brass, Bollywood Brass Band, Loud Noises, Perhaps Contraption, Oompah Brass and all female Italian brass band, Girlesque, ensured visitors to the city centre were on their feet.

The bands also accompanied runners taking part in the Durham City Run festival over the weekend before coming together for a Big BRASS Party in Wharton Park on Saturday evening.

Other highlights across the weekend saw traditional brass band performances at three of the county's bandstands and performances taking place at a number of care homes. Bringing cheer to those who have had a particularly tough few years, brass bands took part in special outdoor performances at care homes, including at Birchwood Court in Easington, where the Easington Colliery Brass Band played for residents.

BRASS is just one of the many cultural events and activities taking place in County Durham this year, demonstrating the council's ongoing commitment to cultural-led regeneration. This includes delivering key projects within County Durham's shortlisted UK City of Culture bid and raising the county's profile as a fantastic place to live, work, visit and invest. It also includes progressing major capital projects, such as the redevelopment of the former DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery into a stunning new creative centre showcasing national and international contemporary art alongside collections that celebrate the county's heritage.