One of the unique aspects of BRASS, is that the festival reaches out into our communities, with loads of opportunities to get involved. Engaging with over 42,000 people in 2019, BRASS is just one of the festivals bringing unique cultural experiences to the communities of our County, demonstrating the local authority’s commitment to culture-led regeneration. At this critical time, BRASS aims to bring communities together, and create unforgettable experiences for people of all ages.
Brass in Schools
Each year the BRASS Festival works with over 15,000 children and young people through its community and education programmes. Schools love to welcome our bands, who play mini-gigs or engage the children in workshops. This year, due to Covid-19 things will look a little different, but we will still be sharing the BRASS-love with our young people. Some of the country’s best Street Bands – Renegade Brass Band, New York Brass Band, Perhaps Contraption, The London Street Band, and the Riot Jazz Brass Band – will all be taking their skills to schools throughout Durham.
Young Dizzee Brasscals (UK)
We are delighted that our friends the Young Dizzee Brasscals will be presenting a special live streaming event with our young people. This tweed-clad 10-piece brass powerhouse are known for their exhilarating party jams and unique interpretations of indie classics. Here they perform a special live concert and Q&A session with some of our County’s schools.
Care Homes
We very much want BRASS to give something back to those who may have had a particularly tough year. So, we are taking some of our performers to do special performances at care homes throughout the County. Performing outdoors, this is our way of bringing a little warmth and reminiscence to some of our older residents.
Bandstand
Once a familiar site in parks and open spaces across County Durham, only a handful of bandstands remain today. During BRASS, these evocative structures of times past will be given a spotlight through a set of photographs taken by artist Rob Bowman. Capturing the mood of recent times during the COVID pandemic, Rob presents us with haunting black and white images, inviting us to appreciate the heritage that exists around us. The photographs can be seen displayed on bus shelters in Consett, Durham, Horden and Spennymoor from Monday 28 June to Sunday 25 July.
If you would like to find out any more information about these projects, please contact: brass@durham.gov.uk
