The Durham Brass Festival returns this July – for their 20th anniversary – and among the headliners this year are the awesome ELVANA (pictured) who are teaming up with Oompah Brass XXL. Talk about a match made in heaven.

I’ve been lucky enough to catch ELVANA on a couple of occasions and, man, they are the absolute business. If you’ve not yet had the pleasure then picture, if you will, if you can, the beautifully absurd premise of the raw, fuzzy grunge of Nirvana, but fronted up by a hip-shaking, jumpsuit-clad Elvis. By seamlessly mashing up iconic hits with bags of Vegas swagger, they’re an outfit that channel a joyously unhinged, communal energy that completely cuts through standard tribute band nostalgia and turns any venue into a giant mosh-pit party. And ELVANA’s party at this year’s Durham Brass Festival should be extra spicy as they’re performing with Oompah Brass XXL – the UK’s original rock ‘n’ roll brass band and firm festival favourites.

As mentioned above, 2026 marks a real milestone for this most glorious of festivals, and over the last 20 years they’ve brought all manner of exciting shows our way with appearances from the likes of Richard Hawley, Public Service Broadcasting, and poet laureate Simon Armitage. But they’re certainly not resting on their laurels this July, and for a dynamic eight days, Durham is set to positively thrum with thrilling performances. And, as per usual, the festival will seek to blend genres, challenge stereotypes, and present ‘brass’ – in all its myriad forms – to all kinds of audiences.

Among the highlights this year is sure to be Brass & Pipes who are returning to the festival for a spectacular evening that will celebrate the thrilling sounds of brass band and theatre organ. Featuring music from the movies, musicals and much more, the concert will showcase the very best of both traditions – from powerful brass band classics to the rich, iconic sound of the mighty Wurlitzer.

Crack faves Hector Gannet are also returning this year, ahead of their eagerly awaited third album ‘The Great Shakedown’. The band’s special performance, entitled ‘Talking in The Mother Tongue’, is taking place at Redhills Miners’ Hall, and will feature tracks from their new album – all accompanied by the full Durham Miners’ Association Brass Band. Expect rousing soul sermons, brimming with hope, ideas and empathy.

I’m also loving the look of Brassed On. This special evening will celebrate the incredible versatility of brass and will showcase some of the hottest rising artists working today. These include Dilettante – the art-pop project of multi-instrumentalist Francesca Pidgeon whose stuff is resplendent with looped sax, fuzzy guitar and sharp songwriting. Also on the bill is Isabel Maria (another Crack fave), the self-proclaimed ‘pensive popstar’ who pairs contagious melodies and piano-driven production with ineffably personal lyricism. And any line-up is always enhanced by an appearance from Vice Killer – a four-piece indie band from Peterlee whose debut album ‘A Miners’ Capital’ (2025) was named in BBC Introducing’s Best of the Year list.

Another ‘must-see’ is definitely the EverReady Band performing ‘Myth, Magic and More’ at Durham Cathedral. This will see one of the region’s most feted brass ensembles celebrating some of the most iconic music from film and television. I’m talking Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, The Mandalorian, Star Wars, and much more besides. You WILL be swept away.

And how are you fixed for a bit of Grimethorpe Colliery Band? Founded over a century ago in a Yorkshire mining village, this bunch have achieved a worldwide reputation – not least from the hit film ‘Brassed Off’ – and they’ve played everywhere from the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony to the BBC Proms.

The festival will also include free concerts, community activities, and a full week of lively street bands, culminating in the ever-popular Streets of Brass weekend and Party in the Park (check their website, below, for more details on these).

Councillor Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, frothed: “Durham Brass Festival will return with a bang this year, and celebrating its 20th anniversary no less. Audiences can expect a whole new sound from ELVANA while returning performances from Brass & Pipes with Howard Beaumont promise something for festival veterans, plus so much more.” I can’t disagree with any of that. DP

Durham Brass Festival, Sunday 12-Sunday 19 July, various venues across Durham. Full programme and other details: brassfestival.co.uk