Vice Killer and Easington Colliery Brass Band
Up and coming artists will perform alongside talented brass musicians when one of the region’s most popular festivals returns this summer.
Brassed On will take over Gala Durham on Saturday 18 July, bringing together an eclectic line-up of rising musical stars with live brass ensembles for unique and unforgettable performances.
The show is a key event in Durham County Council’s Durham Brass Festival, which will deliver a week of unmissable gigs, street bands and free outdoor parties from Sunday 12 to Sunday 19 July.
This year’s Brassed On line-up includes Vice Killer, a four-piece indie band from Peterlee whose debut album A Miners’ Capital was named in BBC Introducing’s Best of the Year in 2025. Vice Killer will perform with Easington Colliery Band, creating fresh new music especially for the festival.
Manchester-based Dilettante, the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Francesa Pidgeon, will also take to the stage with a new trio headed by Faye MacCalman, a composer-songwriter and improviser on the saxophone, clarinet, vocals and electronics.
Completing the line-up will be singer-songwriter and pianist Isabel Maria, from Sunderland, who was named a BBC Introducing One to Watch for 2025. Isabel will be accompanied by Brazen, a collective of some of the UK’s finest brass and percussion players.
Thomas Low Gilling, lead singer of Vice Killer, said: “It’s an absolute honour for us to be a part of Durham Brass Festival. As a band that has written about the area’s past and present, being able to perform these songs with Easington Colliery Brass Band feels extremely special. It’ll definitely feel quite emotional for us to hear our songs performed with a brass section.”
Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, high street and regeneration, said: “Since the first Brassed On concert, back in 2023, the show has become a defining feature of Durham Brass Festival.
“Not only do these unique collaborations demonstrate the versality of brass music, but by blending different genres, they broaden the festival’s appeal and attract new audiences. Brassed On also provides a platform for emerging artists to experience what it is like to perform alongside brass ensembles, while raising their profile at an established music festival.
“Previous Brassed On collaborations have resulted in some truly magical performances, and I am sure this year’s line-up will be just as memorable.”
Tickets for Brassed On are available now priced at £12.50. To book, visit www.brassfestival.co.uk
Other festival highlights include:
- Viva Brass Vegas, a dynamic collaboration between rock ‘n’ rollers Oompah Brass XXL and Elvana, a crossover tribute band who perform the music of the American Grunge Band Nirvana in the style of Elvis Presley. Gala Durham, Sunday 12 July.
- Myth Magic and More, a celebration of some of the most iconic scores from film and television. Performed by EverReady Band, enjoy unforgettable music from Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, Star Wars and many more. Durham Cathedral, Saturday 18 July.
- Grimethorpe Colliery Band, stars of the hit film Brassed Off and widely recognised as one of the UK’s finest brassed bands. Gala Durham, Sunday 19 July.
- An Evening of Swing and Jive with The Revolutionaires and Tyne Valley Big Band. Pelton Community Centre, Saturday 18 July.
- Talking in Mother Tongue, a special performance by Hector Gannet featuring songs from the band’s forthcoming third album, The Great Shakedown, accompanied by Durham Miners’ Association Brass Band. Redhills Miners’ Hall, Friday 17 July.
Festival favourites the Brass Bashes will also be back for the event’s 20th anniversary edition, bringing international street bands to towns across the county. The free outdoor music will continue at Streets of Brass and Party in the Park in Durham City on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July.
View the full festival programme and book tickets online at www.brassfestival.co.uk.
To stay up to date with the latest festival news follow @DurhamBrassFestival on Facebook and @durhambrass on Instagram.
