Durham Brass Festival goes back on the road

Durham Brass Festival 2024, organised by us, will include the Big and Little Brass Bashes that bring the party to outdoor spaces across County Durham.

The big and little bashes that have proven so popular in previous years are a series of ten free events offering energetic and eclectic performances from thrilling street bands.

They reflect our desire to ensure people can enjoy arts and culture, free of charge, wherever they are in the county.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "Durham Brass Festival has its home in our city but as with some of our other festivals and events, we also look to bring free fun to some of our other communities.

"The Big and Little Brass Bashes are a great example of this, this year providing a joyous mix of live music, dancing, fun and colour, all without charge, in ten different locations.

"We hope people enjoy them and the rest of the festival line-up as much as in previous years and that local businesses will benefit by virtue of people visiting our centres to see these events."

The fun begins with two Little Brass Bashes on Monday 8 July at Haswell pit site and Spennymoor market place, both from 6pm to 8pm.

The first of four Big Brass Bash events takes place on Tuesday 9 July at Glenholme Park in Crook, with this and all other Big Brass Bashes running from 6pm to 9pm.

A new Little Brass Bash takes place at Chester-le-Street Market Place the same day, from 6pm to 9pm.

Big Brass Bashes will continue in Hackworth Park, Shildon and Town Park, Newton Aycliffe on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 July respectively, with Willington hosting a Little Brass Bash on the Town Green on Wednesday 10 July, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

In a first for Durham Brass Festival, a Little Brass Bash will take place in Barnard Castle on Thursday 11 July at The Witham, again from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

And the party will come to an end on the final night of Bashes on Friday 12 July with a Big Brass Bash at Trimdon Community College and another new Little Brass Bash in Middle Street, Consett, from 6pm to 9pm.

This year's festival takes place from Friday 5 to Saturday 13 July, and as ever, promises a week of spectacular performances, new commissions, free concerts, community activities, and a full programme of lively street bands.

Brass opens with Public Service Broadcasting performing their album Every Valley with The NASUWT Riverside Band to a sold-out audience at Durham Cathedral.

There'll be more free outdoor events as the popular Streets of Brass takes place across Durham on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July. These will run from 11am to 4pm and 11am to 5pm respectively, with the Sunday including the ever-popular Streets of Brass finale in the Market Place from 4.30pm. Party In The Park at the city's Wharton Park returns on Saturday 7 July, from 5pm to 9pm.

The festival line-up is completed with The Cory Band and Durham Miners' Association Brass Band teaming up for King Kong at Gala Durham on Sunday 7 July; the emerging artist showcase Brassed On at Durham Town Hall on the same day; and Smoove & Turrell's Northern Coal Experience DJ set at the same venue on Friday 12 July.

Durham Brass Festival is a key part of our festivals and events programme, which also includes the UK's light art biennial Lumiere and yearly food festivals at Seaham and Bishop Auckland.

This programme cements Durham's position as the 'Culture County' and reflects our commitment to culture-led regeneration. This commitment includes delivering key projects within the bid that saw Durham become the first county ever to be shortlisted for UK City of Culture; progressing major capital projects; and raising the county's profile as a fantastic place to live, work, visit and invest.