Discover Music and Dance across the Culture County

Celebrate Durham’s vibrant music and dance scene with an exciting programme of festivals, live performances, and events. From chart-topping acts and emerging talent to local favourites, you'll find something for every taste at the county’s iconic venues. Get ready to sing along, dance the night away, and keep your toes tapping! We have picked a few highlights below.

Durham Brass Bash at Durham Brass Festival  

Experience the spectacular Brass Bash at Terrace Green, Seaham, on Friday 17 July, for an unforgettable evening of outstanding brass band performances as part of the Durham Brass Festival. This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, celebrating 20 years of bringing one of the UK’s largest and most exciting brass music events to the region. Join the celebrations and enjoy world class music in a vibrant seaside setting.

Durham Fringe Festival

From 29 July to 2 August, Durham Fringe Festival will showcase a vibrant programme of performing arts across venues throughout Durham City. Audiences can enjoy an exciting mix of theatre, live music, stand-up comedy, comedy theatre, magic, spoken word, cabaret, dance, physical theatre, and circus performances, making it a must-see celebration of creativity

Dance | Circus | Physical Theatre at Durham Fringe

Boundless, Dance City’s company for dancers aged 55+, showcases original contemporary dance created with professional tutors and guest choreographers. Catch their latest performances at the Assembly Rooms Theatre on 29 and 30 July, featuring both a site-responsive work and a stage production.

Party in the Park at Durham Brass Festival

Don't miss Party in the Park on Saturday 18 July as part of the Durham Brass Festival. From 5pm to 9pm, the festival’s spectacular street bands will fill the park with music, energy and entertainment. Set against the backdrop of the unique amphitheatre, enjoy high-energy performances from talented musicians from across the UK and beyond. Whatever the weather, this much-loved event is always a festival highlight.

Derwent Fest

Derwent Fest returns to Derwent Waterside Park near Consett on 14 to 15 August, bringing two days of live music, tribute acts and festival fun in a stunning lakeside setting. With both day and weekend tickets available, plus on-site camping, visitors can make a weekend of it by staying under the stars in the designated Dark Skies camping area and enjoy the peace and beauty of the County Durham countryside.

When Rivers Meet: Rhythm, Rust & Static Tour at the Witham

When Rivers Meet return to the stage with the Rhythm Rust & Static Tour at the Witham on August 7. With an intentionally stripped-back, analogue-inspired approach, Rhythm Rust & Static captures the raw essence of When Rivers Meet, intimate, gritty, and emotionally charged. The tour reflects that same spirit: a smaller, more focused on-stage setup, delivering a huge, immersive sound that puts songwriting, feel, and connection at the heart of the show.

Scouting For Girls Live in Durham Cathedral

Scouting For Girls will bring their much loved catalogue of hits to the stunning surroundings of Durham Cathedral this October. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable evening featuring chart favourites Combining uplifting pop anthems with the breathtaking atmosphere of the historic cathedral, this promises to be a truly special concert experience on Thursday 29 October.

Inglenook at Durham Fringe Festival

From 29 to 31 July, Durham-based folk quartet Inglenook will perform at The Department of Music at Durham Cathedral. Featuring violin, guitar, banjo and bass, the band blend original songs with folk, Celtic, bluegrass and country favourites, putting their own distinctive spin on every performance.

Durham Jazz Festival

Durham Jazz Festival takes place from 23 to 25 October, bringing a vibrant weekend of live music to venues across Durham. Highlights include performances at the Gala Theatre and Studio, Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms, Redhills Durham Miners Hall, and the Old Cinema Launderette. A major festival attraction will see musicians from London’s renowned Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club present The Ronnie Scott’s Soho Songbook at Redhills.Alongside pop-up performances in bars, restaurants and venues across the city, creating a true festival atmosphere throughout the weekend.

Embrace your love of music and dance and make an event part of a great getaway in the Culture County.