20 years of Durham Brass Festival
8th December 2025
A North East music festival promises to be bigger and better than ever as it celebrates two decades of bringing one of the biggest celebrations of brass to the region.
Durham Brass Festival is back next year, from Sunday 12 to Sunday 19 July, for a week packed with spectacular performances, new commissions, free concerts, community activities and lively street bands.
The Durham County Council festival will be marking a major milestone next year – 20 years since the Durham Brass Festival first brought world-class music to the county.
With performances taking place across Durham City and in towns and villages throughout the county, the festival will feature events in streets, parks, historic venues, care homes and schools, creating unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.
Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “The first official Durham Brass Festival was in 2006, inspired by the tradition of brass bands at the Durham Miners’ Gala. Since then, it has grown into a celebration of music, heritage, culture, and community.
“Over the years, Durham Brass festival has showcased many traditional brass bands performing alongside headliners such as Simon Armitage, LYR, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Richard Hawley, and Public Service Broadcasting.
“We’re excited to mark 20 years of Durham Brass Festival with a vibrant programme of artists and events that expands on everything audiences have loved so far.”
In preparation for next year, the council is looking for acts to take part in the festival’s Brassed On event, which showcases emerging artists and returns for its fourth year.
Last year Brassed On featured Faithful Johannes, Amateur Ornithologist and Liz Corney. The council is putting a call out for musicians to express an interest in being part of the event next year.
Jennie Brewis, project producer for Brassed On, said: “Brassed On gives up-and-coming musicians the chance to work alongside professional brass players – opening doors to brass music for people who might never have experienced it before.”
Musicians and artists interested in performing at Brassed On can fill out a form at www.brassfestival.co.uk
The headline acts for the 2026 Durham Brass Festival will be announced in the spring.
