Durham Brass Festival expands 2025 line-up
Durham Brass Festival has added another burst of brass-powered energy to its already packed programme – with a wave of newly announced acts, one-off events and returning favourites confirmed for July.
Running from July 13 to 20, the county-wide celebration of all things brass has become a much-loved fixture of the summer calendar.
Tickets have already been flying out for the programme announced so far, including Futureheads frontman Barry Hyde, performing his solo album Miners’ Ballads with the Durham Miners’ Association Brass Band; Simon Armitage and LYR with Easington Colliery Brass Band performing Firm As A Rock We Stand; and Bill Ryder-Jones’ headline performance at the Gala Durham of his critically acclaimed album from last year, Iechyd Da with the NASUWT Riverside Brass.
And this latest set of additions to the BRASS setlist looks sure to keep box offices busy.
Leading the list of additions is a special live recording of BBC Radio 4’s Loose Ends, set to take place at Redhills on July 16. Hosted by Stuart Maconie, this North East-themed edition - a first for the festival - will feature guests including Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, Girl on the Train author Paula Hawkins, and comedian Ria Lina – with more still to be announced.
There’s also something for dancers and tea drinkers at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, where the BRASS Tea Dance returns on July 13. With live swing sounds from the Tyne Valley Big Band and vocals from Barbara Hignett, it’s a chance to enjoy some sequence dancing or simply settle in with a cuppa and take in the atmosphere.
Back in Durham City, a special support act has been unveiled for the aforementioned gig from Bill Ryder-Jones at the Gala. Pet Snake – the new solo project from Clean Cut Kid’s Evelyn Halls, whose sound blends lo-fi folk, dreamy pop and a touch of 2000s grunge.
For those after something louder and livelier, Saturday July 19 brings the return of Party in the Park to Wharton Park. Free to attend, this open-air favourite invites a mix of brass bands to let loose in the city – expect everything from New Orleans swagger to riotous rave horns.
Bands announced so far include Das Brass, Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, Brazen Band, and the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band, among many others. The same performers will take to the streets across the closing weekend as part of Streets of Brass (July 19–20) which transforms the city centre into an open-stage spectacle.
Also back this year: Brass Boat Cruises, offering live music from festival bands aboard the Prince Bishop as it glides along the River Wear. These are ticketed and run throughout the final weekend.
“From boat decks to dance floors, schools to care homes, city streets to historic venues, radio waves to park stages, there’s nowhere BRASS won’t go,” said artistic director Sue Collier. “This year we’re cranking it up to eleven.”
Durham Brass Festival is organised by Durham County Council with support from Arts Council England. For event details and tickets, head to www.brassfestival.co.uk.