Durham Brass Festival 2019

About

Brass, Durham’s liveliest festival, is back for 2019 with 10 days of outstanding performances across County Durham.

As well as international street bands from Spain and Germany, we will be using cutting-edge technology to involve performers in Denmark, Norway and beyond in unique live performances with bands here in Durham. We also have a choir from Texas joining with our own Festival Chorus for a performance of Verdi’s magnificent Requiem in Durham Cathedral.

One of our main themes for 2019 is Brass and Health. We are taking music into care homes and hosting a ‘Healthy Brass’ day which will feature talks and workshops on how brass players can maintain good mental and physical health.

Monday 15 July: Mnozil Brass, seven crazy Austrians with their absurd humour and world class musical ability are back!  

Tuesday 16 July: Strictly come BRASSing, The Gala Big Band are joined by a plethora of dancers bringing salsa, swing, ballroom and jazz to the Gala stage in a colourful celebration of dancing and Big Band music.

Thursday 18 July: Brass Oktoberfest, BRASS turns Durham’s historic Town Hall into a lively Bierhalle for an evening of German food, beer and, of course, brass - featuring festival favourites Oompah Brass. 

Friday 19 July: Global Brass Live, cutting-edge communications technology to the test to present a joint band concert with a difference, the two bands will be 560 miles apart.

Saturday 20 July:

Verdi Requiem, a thrilling new transcription of Verdi’s choral masterpiece for Brass Band and Choir in the stunning surroundings of Durham Cathedral. 

Healthy Brass Workshops.

Big BRASS Party  Come along to our free Big BRASS Party in Wharton Park with all the street bands. Bring a picnic and be prepared to bust some moves!

Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July: Streets of Brass, street bands take over Durham’s fabulous city centre for two days of great music and brass inspired mayhem. 

Sunday 21 July: Brighouse and Rastrick Band, Our Celebrity Brass Band Concert this year features the world-famous Brighouse and Rastrick Band.

Sunday 21 July: Wharton Park meets the West End, the Scottish Swing Orchestra and the Festival Broadway Chorus bring BRASS to a close with jazzy versions of musical theatre hits in a wonderful setting.