Locations confirmed for Durham Brass Festival

A summer music festival is set to bring brass bands, street performances and community celebrations to towns and villages across County Durham.

Durham Brass Festival has confirmed the locations for this year’s Big and Little Brass Bashes, with free concerts taking place throughout the county from July 13 to 17.

Organised by Durham County Council, the events will take place at:

Quarrington Hill – Quarrington Hill Community Centre, Monday, July 13, 6pm to 8pm
Shildon – Locomotion, in collaboration with Durham Music Service’s Momentum project, Monday, July 13, 6pm to 9pm
Barnard Castle – The Witham arts venue, Tuesday, July 14, 6pm to 8pm
Crook – Crook Community Leisure, Tuesday, July 14, 6pm to 8pm
Willington – Town Park, Wednesday, July 15, 6pm to 9pm
Bishop Auckland – Auckland Palace Courtyard, Wednesday, July 15, 6pm to 8pm
Coxhoe – Village Green at the Pit Wheel, Thursday, July 16, 6pm to 8pm
Spennymoor – Jubilee Park, Thursday, July 16, 6pm to 9pm
Seaham – Terrace Green seafront, Friday, July 17, 6pm to 9pm
Newton Aycliffe – Town Park, Friday, July 17, 6pm to 9pm

Performers this year include Loud Noises, Back Chat Brass, Oompah Brass, Brazen Brass Band and She’s Got Brass, alongside international street music acts and local performers.

The Brass Bashes form part of the wider Durham Brass Festival programme, which also features concerts, tea dances, Brass Boat Cruises, the Streets of Brass parade and Party in the Park.

Festival highlights include Viva Brass Vegas, a collaboration between Oompah Brass XXL and ELVANA, alongside performances from Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Hector Gannet and the Tyne Valley Big Band.

Councillor Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “Our Big and Little Brass Bashes are a household name for Durham Brass Festival and very popular with our communities, so we’re excited to bring the party back for 2026.

“As we celebrate 20 years of Durham Brass Festival, we’ve tried to bring the Brass Bashes out to even more communities, with gigs being held in some areas for the very first time.

“We’ve got some great events planned for this year, so would encourage everyone to come along and join the party.”

For more information about the festival, and to book tickets for events, visit www.brassfestival.co.uk

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