VISITORS at a North-East visitor attraction have enjoyed free brass band music today. (Sunday, July 5)

Durham County Brass Band Association Contest was held at in the grounds of the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery.

The museum’s commercial services officer Tom Betts said they had been busier than usual as a result.

He said: “We have had over 1,000 people here that we have counted. There has been a really good atmosphere and the sun has been shining all afternoon.

“It has been really nice to see so many bands from all over the region with some great music. It has been fantastic.

“It is really great to see people of all ages performing and carrying on the tradition of playing brass band music.”

The event is one of a series of free outdoor brass band concert at the venue.

Last month the NASUWT Riverside Concert Band entertained the crowds, along with The Gala Big Band and Pittington Brass.

It’s the turn of Craghead Colliery Band on Sunday, July 19, with Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band performing on Sunday, July 26. Both performances start at 2pm.

This Sunday Durham city centre will be packed with brass bands from all over the country as they make their way to the racecourse for the Durham Miners’ Gala.