STREETS and parks across County Durham are set to come alive as a music festival makes its return.
Durham Brass will deliver another ten-day extravaganza of brass music from around the world from Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 21. One of the highlights of the Durham County Council event will be the Big Brass Bash, a series of free parties in schools and parks.
Featuring a line-up of international street bands, including Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, Loud Noises and Louisiana Funky Butts, the events celebrate 21st century brass music in all its guises.
Music will range from 90s club classics and hip-hop beats, to Afro-beat, jazz and ceilidh tunes.
The Big Brass Bus will also be out and about, bringing some of the world’s best street bands to even more locations across the county.
Councillor Joy Allen, the council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, said: “What makes Durham Brass so special is that it brings the party to the people.
"It spreads the joy of music in communities across the county and engages with people who may not attend concerts in traditional venues.
“Ultimately, it is about bringing residents together, while also attracting people into our towns and villages, boosting the local economy and showcasing what a great place County Durham is to live, work and visit.”
The free outdoor programme includes The Big Brass Bash at Newton Aycliffe’s Town Park, from 3pm to 6pm on Sunday, July 14; Crook’s Glenholme Park, from 6pm to 9pm on Tuesday, July 16; Shildon’s Hackworth Park, from 6pm to 9pm on Wednesday, July 17; Trimdon Community College, from 6pm to 9pm on Thursday, July 18 and Spennymoor’s, Jubilee Park, from 6pm to 9pm on Friday, July 19.
The Big Brass Bus will be at Peterlee’s, Apollo Pavilion, at 11am on Tuesday, July 16, Lanchester, Community Centre, from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday, July 17, 6pm, Bishop Auckland, Market Place at 6pm on Thursday, July 18 and Newton Aycliffe, Steam Machine Brewing Company, in Newton Aycliffe from 7pm to 9pm on Friday, July 19. Streets of Brass also returns this year with street bands taking over Durham city centre for two days of free music from 11am to 5pm on July 20 and 21.
The party continues at Wharton Park in Durham, where there will be more opportunities to enjoy live music while tucking into a picnic. On Saturday July 21, from 6pm to 9pm, the Big Brass Party will deliver music from a host of genres.
And on Sunday, July 21, the festival will draw to a spectacular close with Wharton Park Meets the West End from 6pm to 8pm. The free outdoor concert will see the Scottish Swing Orchestra and the Festival Broadway Chorus perform jazzy versions of musical theatre’s greatest hits.
See www.brassfestival.co.uk for more details.
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