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Durham Brass Festival returns from 12th–19th July for its 20th anniversary, unveiling a packed line‑up for a week‑long celebration of all things brass.
Durham Brass Festival returns this summer for a milestone celebration, marking its 20th anniversary with a packed week of brass‑driven spectacle across the city. Running from 12th–19th July, the festival promises everything from theatrical showpieces to street‑level party energy, reaffirming why it remains one of the region’s most distinctive cultural events.
The festivities launch in suitably explosive fashion as ELVANA team up with Oompah Brass XXL at Gala Durham, tearing through Nirvana’s catalogue with a rockabilly‑meets‑Elvis twist. Later in the week, Brass & Pipes with Howard Beaumont brings the thrill of brass band and theatre organ to Howden‑le‑Wear, while Hector Gannet joins the Durham Miners’ Association Brass Band for a special performance at Redhills. Emerging artists also take centre stage, with Brassed On showcasing Dilettante, Francesca Pidgeon and Isabel Maria, alongside Peterlee indie outfit Vice Killer.
Saturday sees the festival spill outdoors as Streets of Brass transforms Durham’s historic streets into a free, open‑air carnival of sound. Audiences can expect high‑energy sets from international street bands including Diddy Sweg, Loud Noises, Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, Girlesque, Back Chat Brass, Artistas del Gremio, Brazen Brass Band, Yorky Pud Street Band and more, all bringing their own spin on 21st‑century brass.
The weekend also features Brass Boat Cruises along the River Wear and Party in the Park at Wharton Park, before the legendary Grimethorpe Colliery Band closes the festival on Sunday, making Durham Brass Festival’s 20th year one of its most vibrant yet.
