Two new artistic directors will oversee one of the region’s liveliest festivals when it returns this summer.
Lorna Fulton and Sue Collier have been appointed to direct Durham Brass Festival for 2020, which will see brilliant bands and musicians from around the world performing in locations across the county between Friday 10 and Sunday 19 July.
Last year, more than 40,000 people enjoyed the Durham County Council event and Sue and Lorna hope to build on the festival’s international reputation.
With more than 20 years’ experience in curating, developing, leading and delivering high profile cultural programmes and festivals, programme director Lorna brings with her a wealth of knowledge and a passion for family-friendly cultural events.
Lorna has an impressive career history and has produced several high-profile events including the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad in the region, Freedom City and Saltwell Park’s annual Enchanted Parks event. She was also part of the team responsible for bringing the Lindisfarne Gospels back to the North East for their 2013 Durham exhibition.
Sue, who is currently festival programmer for the Mouth of the Tyne Festival and Lamplight Festival, has worked in the music and cultural industry for over 25 years. As a tour manager, Sue worked with a variety of acts including The Ordinary Boys, The Specials and Fat Freddy’s Drop.
The range of programming roles she has held includes venues such as Newcastle Mayfair, Sage Gateshead, York Barbican and The Playhouse, Whitley Bay, and Sue is committed to bringing quality live music and entertainment to a broad audience.
Lorna said: “Sue and I are delighted to be appointed as the new artistic directors of Durham Brass Festival and are very excited to bring our ideas to life this July. We have a strong track record of working on festivals and music programmes and are looking forward to creating new collaborations between contemporary and traditional artists, to delight our Durham audiences.”
Sue said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to play a part in the wonderful Durham BRASS Festival. The festival has grown over the years into something really special, not just for the region but also nationally and internationally, and brass artists really seem to feel at home here at this festival. Both Lorna and myself are excited to explore how we can continue to develop the festival, both musically, by combining very special collaborations with contemporary musicians, and artistically through the involvement of other artists and art forms to interpret their vision of all things BRASS.”
Cllr Joy Allen, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for Transformation, Culture and Tourism, said: “I’m excited to welcome Sue and Lorna to the BRASS festival. As a team they have great credentials and have delivered many fantastic musical and cultural events. I know they’re both eager to create a stellar line up for the festival, which will cater for all tastes and ages.
“BRASS is always a highlight of the summer in County Durham, not only for residents and tourists but also for our local businesses who benefit from the economic boost that the increase in visitors brings. Last year’s action-packed programme of concerts and street parties were enjoyed by a record number of people and I can’t wait to see what Sue and Lorna have planned to make this year even bigger and better.”
