Fat Freddy's Drop announced for Durham Brass Festival

Fat Freddy's Drop

Durham Brass Festival promises a week of spectacular performances, new commissions, free concerts, community activities, and a full programme of lively street bands when it returns from Sunday 9 to Sunday 16 July.

Opening the festivities is Fat Freddy's Drop, a New Zealand-based band who will be playing at Gala Durham on Monday 10 July.

First act announced

Internationally regarded for their live music performances, the seven-piece band is inspired by each member's individual musical influences from reggae and soul, disco and house, to rock and rhythm and blues.

Fat Freddy's Drop have delivered over 1,000 shows in their career, clocking more than 500 appearances in Europe, 34 Australian tours and over 325 shows in their New Zealand homeland, building a loyal audience of fans - the Fred Heads.

Last year, the band performed headline festival shows all over Europe, including a sold-out performance at Alexandra Palace in London and a headliner appearance at Sidney Myer Music Bowl for the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

Festival ambitions

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "We are delighted to be announcing the first act for Durham Brass Festival in what will be a week packed full of musicians and performers bringing County Durham to life with their talents. Bringing Fat Freddy's drop to Durham BRASS has been a huge ambition for the festival and one we are delighted to see come to life in 2023.

"Durham Brass is one of the highlights of our annual cultural events programme, bringing together music and community. We are committed to delivering exciting events and cultural opportunities for residents and visitors year-round, raising our profile internationally and demonstrating our ambition to make County Durham the culture county."