Public Service Broadcasting will headline Durham Brass Festival 2024.
The alternative rock group will top the bill on July 5, when they will perform their acclaimed 2017 album ‘Every Valley’ with The NASUWT Riverside Band in the World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral in North East England.
The festival runs for a week between July 5 and 13, and will see an eclectic mix of performers.
Public Service Broadcasting founding member J Willgoose Esq said: “I’ve spent a lot of time in the North-East because my dad is from Fulwell in Sunderland. He moved to London in 1975 but my grandfather lived in Seaburn so we used to go up all the time and we’d go to Beamish a lot. I do wonder how much of an influence that had on wanting to do a record on coal mining. You never know what things are imprinting on your mind but it always feels very close to home even though it’s a long way from South London. I certainly knew all about the Miners’ Gala and the colliery bands and it always feels important to me to play in the North East.”
The likes of Manic Street Preachers’ James Dean Bradfield, Camera Obscura’s Tracyanne Campbell, and a 12-piece brass band feature on the album.
The NASUWT Riverside Band previously peformed with Richard Hawley and Field Music at the event.
Tony Thompson, NASUWT Riverside Band leader, commented: “I think it’s so pertinent because it’s 40 years since the miners’ strike so it’s the ideal time to reflect on that. There’s so much about coal mining in the history of Durham and the cathedral is absolutely unique. It’s a very big acoustic but you can still hear the detail so it lends itself to music that can be quiet and reflective. I think it will be a very memorable night.”
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, the council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We can’t wait for Durham Brass Festival 2024. Public Service Broadcasting teaming up with The NASWUT Riverside Band to perform music inspired by coal mining in this the 40th anniversary of the strikes promises to be an amazing night. We have always wanted to get Public Service Broadcasting to Brass and the fact they are performing in the stunning venue that is our World Heritage Durham Cathedral will only make it all the more special.
We’re also looking forward to seeing The Cory Band’s fascinating take on King Kong and the return of Brass mainstays Streets of Brass and Party in the Park, which, as ever, are free to attend.
In the ‘Culture County’ we firmly believe in the power of events such as Brass to put smiles on faces while also boosting our economy. Last year 30,000 people came to Brass, spending money in local shops and businesses, and the ability of our events to stimulate this economic activity is a key reason why we deliver our festivals and events programme.”
Tickets for Durham Brass Festival 2024 go on general sale from 9am, Friday (22.03.24) via www.brassfestival.co.uk.