County Durham was awash with brass sounds on the weekend, as the Durham International Festival ended with a bang.

International flavour

Organised by Durham County Council, the annual two week Brass festival showcased a diverse array of internationally acclaimed artists and ensembles.

Celebrating the area’s famous musical history, the festival once again delighted both new and long-standing fans, with high-spirited street performances, concerts and striking art installations peppering the city.

Enjoyed

Well over two thousand people enjoyed performances at Durham Gala Theatre, including Hackney Colliery Band, Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Grimethorpe Colliery Band and The Lake Poets' acclaimed partnership with Stanhope Silver Band.

Never forget

Stanhope MD Steve Robson said: "The collaboration with The Lake Poets was a project to dream about, and the reaction of the audience for ‘Vane Tempest’ and ‘City By The Sea’ were moments I shall never forget.

All our band members were delighted to have the opportunity to perform in such a tremendous venue, with such great company on stage, and thrilled by the way the performance went."

All our band members were delighted to have the opportunity to perform in such a tremendous venue, with such great company on stage, and thrilled by the way the performance wentSteve Robson, MD, Stanhope Band

Italy and Spain

The international flavour of the festival saw groups such as lively Italian outfit Bandakadabra, performing at Durham Town Hall, whilst the local community bands played in 26 village halls and community centres across the county.

Partnerships with a dedicated team of community promoters saw a number of exhilarating gigs and workshops attended by over 3,000 people in day centres, pupil referral units and schools, with almost 20,000 pupils enjoy performances by brass bands and ensembles from around the world.

Marching and drinking band

Spain's ‘Always Drinking Marching Band’ brought a fantastic interactive experience to local schools, whilst crowds also flocked to take in BRASS:Pitch, a series of newly commissioned artworks selected from over 40 proposals, submitted by artists and performers from across England.

Further details
For further details go to: www.brassfestival.co.uk