Brass music, but not always as we know it, took over Durham city centre at the weekend as a now hardy annual music festival reached a crescendo.
The 20th Durham Brass Festival culminated in the annual Streets of Brass event in the city.
At every turn there was the sound of brass, but many of the performers were far from the traditional band formations seen in the city a week earlier at the annual Durham Miners’ Gala.
Colourful brass ensembles from across the globe performed in prominent locations around the city, from Palace Green to Millennium Place, the Town Hall in the Market Place, Riverwalk, Elvet Bridge and outside The Boat Club.
Even the rare outbreak of rainfall amid the recent heatwave failed to dampen the mood as the bands played on, to the delight of visitors.
The festival opened last Sunday (July 12) with a headline performance at the Gala Theatre from ELVANA, a tribute band blending Nirvana’s music with the style of Elvis Presley, supported by Oompah Brass XXL.
The Tyne Valley Big Band returned with its popular tea dances, starting in Easington on July 12, but also appearing in Pelton, on Saturday and Bishop Auckland, today (July 19).
Festival Monday saw the start of the popular Big and Little Brass Bashes, with free street performances through to Friday in ten communities across the county.
Friday also saw North Shields band Hector Gannet performing at Redhills, the Durham Miners Hall, accompanied by the Durham Miners’ Association Brass Band, with alternative folk singer and cellist Ceitidh Mac supporting.
As well as Streets of Brass, Saturday heralded the Brassed On concert at the Gala Theatre, featuring Peterlee’s Vice Killer with Easington Colliery Band, Manchester’s Dilettante, and Sunderland’s Isabel Maria.
Durham Cathedral played host to the award-winning EverReady Band with a new programme, Myth, Magic & More, featuring iconic film music from Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars.
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Other highlights included the return of the Brass Boat Cruises on the River Wear and the Party in the Park at Wharton Park’s amphitheatre on Saturday evening.
This year’s festival closed with a performance from the acclaimed Grimethorpe Colliery Band at the Gala Theatre, today Sunday, July 19.
The Sound of Sunday scheme will also saw traditional brass bands performing in care homes across the county.
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