DURHAM’S annual BRASS festival has returned to the city for its 11th year, showcasing a broad range range of music from Northern Soul and jazz greats to 17th Century Venice and the best in traditional brass bands.

The festival was launched this afternoon in Durham’s Market Place, with music from street bands Back Chat Brass and classically-trained Oompah Brass. They brought their own unique twist to rock, pop and film classics from the Rocky theme tune to Bohemian Rhapsody.

Across the 10-day festival, street bands will perform throughout the county at locations including Jubilee Park in Spennymoor, Glenholme Park in Crook and Timothy Hackworth Park, in Shildon.

Performances will also take place at Terrace Green, in Seaham, and Town Park in Newton Aycliffe, followed by a grand finale in Durham City’s Wharton Park.

Tickets are still available for a number of events, including Brass on Broadway, a special play-along screening of the British film Brassed Off and Venetian Surround Sound, where the audience can experience early surround sound in Durham Cathedral with the Cathedral Choir and His Majesty’s Sagbutts and Cornetts. Other highlights include Yorkshire-based band Keep the Faith joining forces with NASUWT Riverside Band to celebrate Northern Soul. For full details and for tickets visit http://www.brassfestival.co.uk.