BRASS is one of the most imaginative festivals in the country, taking a cherished musical tradition and challenging artists and audiences to explore its past, present and future. It welcomes a tremendous line up of street bands and musicians from around the globe to play in Streets of BRASS, schools and community venues as well as working alongside some of the county’s brass musicians.

This year, the brand new initiative BRASS:Pitch sees the launch of four newly commissioned, ground-breaking artworks which stretch the very definitions of brass music. The outdoor performing arts programme is more extensive than ever, taking place in Chester-le-Street, Spennymoor, Stanley and Bishop Auckland as well as Durham City.

The festival's wide-reaching community and education work has been re-launched as BRASS:Crescendo, aiming to provide longer term opportunities for children, young people and communities engage with BRASS in new and exciting ways. The number of community venues taking part in the festival has almost doubled.

In recognition of their artistic quality, both BRASS and Durham Book Festival have secured Arts Council England National Portfolio funding through the Gala Durham arts festival hub.

See www.brassfestival.co.uk