Brass Picnic at The Story

A Durham City venue will come alive with the sounds of brass music this weekend.

The Story, our culture, heritage and registration venue, will host the Durham County Brass Band Association's competition this Sunday (17 May) from 10am until 5pm.

Celebration of brass

In its 80^th year, the competition sees 11 of the region's brass bands competing, with a winning band announced at the end of the day.

Full day event

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.

Fun for the whole family

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.

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Tickets

Free

Ticket information

Antiphonary | Foden's Band, Michael Fowles, Elgar International Festival of Brass, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

June 7, 2026

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Birmingham, B4 7XR

More information

Some of the best brass musicians in the world, at the peak of their powers, each presenting a programme of contemporary and traditional repertoire, along with major solo works, effortlessly linked by the inimitable Frank Renton.

Each band will be encouraged to present themselves in their best possible light, playing to their strengths and free of the stresses and strains of contesting.

The bands are:

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Brass Band: 10:30-11:15

Willebroek: 12:00-13:15

Black Dyke Band: 14:00-15:15pm

David Childs Solo Recital: 16:00-16:45

Flowers Band: 17:30-18:45

Foden's Band: 19:30-20:45

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Tickets

Festival Ticket £50

Ticket information

Premiere of Silver Song by the South-West Open Youth Orchestra

Guest on Radio 4 Saturday Live

Guest on Radio 4 Saturday Live

HM Royal Marines Band give world premiere of 'Serenata'

HM Royal Marines Band give world premiere of 'Serenata'

Serenata broadcast for the third time on Radio 3

Serenata broadcast for the third time on Radio 3

The Grand Union Waltz | EDMG Peterlee Band, Lewis Wilkinson, Brass Picnic at The Story, Durham

Antiphonary | Foden's Band, Michael Fowles, Elgar International Festival of Brass, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire