A Durham City venue will come alive with the sounds of brass music this weekend. The Story, Durham County Council’s culture, heritage and registration venue, will host the Durham County Brass Band Association’s competition this Sunday (17 May) from 10am until 5pm. In its 80th year, the competition sees 11 of the region’s brass bands competing, with a winning band announced at the end of the day. Cllr Karen Allison, Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, high street and regeneration, said: “We’re delighted to bring families and friends together for the 80th year of the Durham County Brass Band Association’s competition. “This year, as we prepare to mark 20 years of Durham BRASS Festival, it’s a great opportunity to celebrate a remarkable milestone of music and heritage at The Story. It’s a fantastic way for people of all ages to come together, pack a picnic blanket and make the most of a free day of music with their family and friends.”
Families are welcome at The Story from 10am, with bands starting to battle it out from 10.30am. Bands taking part include Bearpark and Esh; Billingham Silver; Craghead Colliery; Dunston Silver; EDMG Peterlee; Felling; Ferryhill Town; Spennymoor Town; Trimdon; and Valley Brass. Julie Carmichael, chair of Durham County Brass Band Association, said: “This event will showcase brass at its best. Families can look forward to fantastic music at a beautiful venue this weekend and we can’t wait to see audiences making the most of the day.”
The event has been supported with £700 of Councillor Grants from local members, Cllr Elizabeth Scott and Cllr Liz Brown. In addition to The Story café being open, street food catering vans will be on site throughout the day and there’ll be a range of family-friendly activities for younger audiences. Face painting will be on offer between 11am and 3pm, and a visit to the venue’s Search and Discover area will offer children a chance to create their own badge and banner. Free parking for the event is available at Howlands Park and Ride, a five-minute walk to The Story. For more information, visit www.thestorydurham.org/whats-on
