A soul and funk band championed by Craig Charles; a modernist folk act which opened for both Sam Fender at St James’ Park and Pete Doherty; and a Brazilian-born alt-pop artist whose music has appeared on Love Island.
These are some of the latest additions to the line-up for Durham Brass Festival, as excitement builds for its return to the North East cultural scene this summer.
This year’s Durham County Council-run event takes place from 5 to 13 July and, as ever, promises a week of spectacular performances, new commissions, free concerts, community activities, and a full programme of lively street bands.
And tickets went on sale for two new events at 10am on Friday 17 May.
The first will see the return of emerging artists showcase Brassed On, at Durham Town Hall, on Sunday 7 July. Having debuted at last year’s festival, Brassed On returns with performances from North Shields’ masters of a new kind of modernist folk, Hector Gannet, who have also supported Sea Power; and Sunderland-based, Brazilian-born alt-pop artist Nadedja, who has opened for Mica Paris.
Rising stars in their fields, they’ll work with NuSound Brass and Loud Noises respectively to produce brand-new brass engagements, allowing them to perform their songs in a way they’ve never been heard before.
Brassed On will be compered by North East BBC DJ Shakk, who has catapulted rising stars onto the airwaves of national radio, while securing coveted slots at prestigious festivals.
The second newly-announced event sees North East act Smoove & Turrell – championed on The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show – present The Northern Coal Experience DJ set at Durham Town Hall on Friday 12 July. This will feature some incredible music ranging from hip hop, breaks, disco, house, funk and soul and everything in between – as well as live vocal and brass accompaniment.
Meanwhile, the previously announced performance by The Cory Band of a set inspired by the legendary film King Kong is to be given a distinctly local flavour. The band has announced that Durham Miners’ Association Brass Band will be joining it for the show, following a social media appeal for an act to join it on stage. Tickets for the performance, at Durham Gala Theatre on Sunday 7 July, are still on sale.
Also in the line-up for this year’s festival is a sold-out show by Public Service Broadcasting, joined by The NASUWT Riverside Band, at Durham Cathedral. The two bands will be performing Public Service Broadcasting’s critically acclaimed album Every Valley.
Brass 2024 will also feature the return of the popular free outdoor events, Streets of Brass (Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July) and Party in the Park (Saturday 6 July). These take place at Durham City and Wharton Park respectively.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We’re delighted to be announcing more acts, and two new ticketed events, for this year’s Durham Brass Festival.
“The line-up is looking very diverse with a set by Smoove & Turrell and Brassed On’s exciting mix of up-and-coming acts; plus the prospect of The Cory Band performing King Kong alongside Durham Miners’ Association Brass Band.
“Tickets for the new events will be available from Friday but of course there is plenty people can enjoy at Brass free of charge, including Streets of Brass and Party in the Park.
“We’re look forward to putting on a great show that will give people fantastic days and nights out while helping our economy, by virtue of money spent in local shops, cafes and restaurants, in the process.”
Durham Brass Festival is a key part of Durham County Council’s festivals and events programme, which also includes the UK’s light art biennial Lumiere and yearly food festivals at Seaham and Bishop Auckland.
This programme cements Durham’s position as the ‘Culture County’ and reflects the local authority’s commitment to culture-led regeneration. This commitment includes delivering key projects within the bid that saw Durham become the first county ever to be shortlisted for UK City of Culture; progressing major capital projects; and raising the county’s profile as a fantastic place to live, work, visit and invest.
Tickets for all shows can be bought online at www.brassfestival.co.uk
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
