Banging drum for Brass
One of the world’s leading festival directors, who ran the Edinburgh Fringe for eight years, is taking the top job at Durham’s Brass Festival ahead of its 10th birthday.
Developed and delivered by Durham County Council, the annual celebration of the county’s musical culture and traditions returns to the region for 2016, from July 14 to 17.
Also, in a coup for the city, Paul Gudgin, who is sought worldwide for his festivals expertise, has been recruited as the event’s artistic director.
Coun Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, arts and culture said: “Brass is a fantastic event for Durham, attracting tens of thousands of music fans to the area and bringing hundreds of thousands of pounds into the local economy.
“It helps to keep the county firmly on the cultural map, and by recruiting a festival director who brings such a wealth of experience, we hope it will grow and go from strength to strength.
“Brass has a well-deserved reputation and I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s festival once again really raise the bar.
“And also build on the success of previous years bringing together an absolutely cracking line-up of big names and local talent, and showcasingtheverybestmusic from around the world.”
Founded in 2006, Brass celebrates its 10th anniversary in July, once again bringing together music from around the world alongside elements from Durham’s musical heritage.
Paul Gudgin – himself a trombone player – joined the team in April and will be visiting the festival before beginning the process of planning 2017’s event.