The annual parade of banners and brass has taken place in Durham since 1871 - a celebration of heritage and culture.
The Brass Festival now adds an exciting mix of international brass to this traditional festival. On the festival stage in the afternoon will be El Autentico Tamborazo Zacatecano, a traditional Mexican marching band who come from a former silver mining community in the Mexican baija. They are playing alongside Byron Wallen, one of the most exciting and innovative trumpet players in the world.
There's also the Oompah Band, who give classic pop songs a wild Bavarian lilt. Finally we welcome Austrian group Global Krynerwhich whose polka-rockpop-punk sound doesn't just lift the spirits but they claim, 'acts as antidepressant, painkiller and dementia blocker'! In 2005 Global Kryner got to the Eurovision Song Contest semi-final, but that performance (catch it on You Tube) comes nowhere near to capturing the spirit of the live band.
Saturday 11th July - The old Racecourse, Durham.
If you are visiting Durham for the Miners Gala, then why not stay at a nearby hotel. Or if you fancy a meal out whilst in Durham, visit one of the city's restaurants.