Durham Brass Festival wrapped up its 20th anniversary edition with a final weekend of music and community events, drawing crowds across County Durham. The festival, which ran from July 12 to 19, featured a diverse programme including street bands, concerts, tea dances, and a special screening of the film Brassed Off to mark its 30th anniversary.
Festival Highlights and Community Engagement
The festival extended beyond Durham city centre to venues such as schools, care homes, and museums in Spennymoor, Shildon, Easington, Pelton, and Bishop Auckland. Highlights included tea dances with the Tyne Valley Big Band and blues band The Revolutionaires, as well as performances by Stanhope Silver Band and a Nirvana-Elvis tribute band with Oompah Brass XXL.
On the final weekend, Hector Gannet performed at Redhills Miners’ Hall on Friday, while Saturday featured a Brassed On live event pairing emerging artists with brass ensembles at the Gala Theatre, a concert by the EverReady Band at Durham Cathedral, and a Party in the Park at Wharton Park Amphitheatre. Street performances and Brass Boat Cruises on the River Wear added to the festive atmosphere.
Closing Concert and Anniversary Screening
The festival concluded on Sunday with a concert by the world-famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band at the Gala Theatre. Earlier, the theatre hosted a 30-year anniversary screening of Brassed Off, starring local actor Stephen Tompkinson alongside Ewan McGregor and the late Pete Postlethwaite. The film tells the story of a colliery band affected by pit closures.
Councillor Karen Allison, Durham County Council's cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “What a week we have had celebrating the 20th anniversary of Durham Brass Festival. As the curtain closes on another successful year, it has been fantastic to see all ages enjoying the type of music that has a strong connection to the county’s heritage as well as its range, from traditional to modern brass.”
Summer Entertainment Continues
The festival followed the city's Miners' Gala and precedes the Durham Fringe Festival, which begins on July 29 with over 140 shows across 11 venues. The summer programme underscores Durham's vibrant cultural scene, drawing visitors and fostering community spirit.
