The Durham Brass Festival: A Beacon of Heritage in a Changing World
It's a story as old as time: the preservation of tradition in the face of progress. But in the heart of Durham, a festival is fighting to keep a vital piece of history alive. The Durham Brass Festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is more than just a series of concerts; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of brass band music.
Tony Thompson, band manager and player for the NASUWT Riverside Brass Band, has been a part of this journey since the beginning in 2006. He emphasizes the festival's crucial role in ensuring the survival of brass heritage for future generations. But here's where it gets controversial: the brass band movement, once a cornerstone of community life, faced a significant threat.
As Mr. Thompson explains, "Brass bands where there for a recreation outlet for the miners, and most mines closed in the mid-1980s and that's when brass bands started to dwindle because there wasn't any support for them." The closure of the mines in the mid-1980s had a devastating impact, as these bands were originally recreational outlets for miners.
The Durham Brass Festival, organized by Durham County Council, stepped in to fill the void. The festival takes place from July 12th to 19th, featuring performances in various locations, including streets, parks, historic venues, care homes, and schools. Karen Allison, cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration, and high street, notes that the festival was inspired by the tradition of brass bands at the Durham Miners' Gala.
Mr. Thompson highlights how the festival blends the old with the new, showcasing the county's historic roots through brass music. "We have got very few brass bands now compared to what we had, so it is important we continue with the heritage we had," he says. And this is the part most people miss: the festival's ability to offer a fresh perspective on brass bands.
The festival has seen traditional brass bands collaborate with headliners such as Simon Armitage, LYR, Fat Freddy's Drop, Richard Hawley, and Public Service Broadcasting. The NASUWT Riverside Band, founded in 1875 and one of the oldest in the north of England, has been involved for the past 16 years. The band, with its 25 brass players and three percussionists, rehearses in the former mining village of Pelton Fell.
Mr. Thompson, who used to play the principal cornet, has found the festival to be a source of incredible opportunities for the band. These include performing with Richard Hawley and Public Service Broadcasting at Durham Cathedral, and participating in The Miners' Hymns, a 2010 film about the Durham Coalfield. The festival is not just about the music; it's about the experience and the community it fosters.
Mr. Thompson also emphasizes the personal benefits of playing in a brass band, stating that it's "good for your mental health, and great for your physical health." The council is currently seeking acts for the festival's Brassed On event, inviting musicians and artists to apply online. The headline acts for the 2026 Durham Brass Festival will be announced in spring.
What do you think? Does the Durham Brass Festival's mission to preserve heritage resonate with you? Do you believe that such festivals are essential in today's world? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
