SOME of Britain’s best brass musicians dropped in at a school today (July 13) to get their mini tour off to a flying start.

The six-piece New York Brass Band called in to The Grove Primary School, in Consett, to entertain children as part of the build-up to the Durham Brass Festival which begins on Thursday.

Throughout this week, the band will be joined by Leeds-based Hope and Social for the Big Brass Bash, which will see musicians touring County Durham to work with schoolchildren during the day, then stage a free outdoor show on the evening.

Tomorrow (July 14), the Big Brass Bash will roll into Timothy Hackworth Park in Shildon; followed by Trimdon Community College Association, in Trimdon Village, on Wednesday; North Terrace, in Seaham on Thursday and winding up at Jubilee Park, in Spennymoor, featuring guests Land Of The Giants.

All shows are free and start at 6pm.

Kate James, festival and events manager with Brass organisers Durham County Council, said: “Big Brass Bash is a high-energy highlight of Brass and a great way to get into the festival spirit.”