The Star & Shadow, in association with Durham BRASS, bring you two hours of brass-inspired radio. In lockdown the Durham BRASS festival have found creative ways of celebrating Durham and its tradition of brass music.
The first show looks at the traditions of the Miners’ Gala using audio clips from many of those involved, including the band members and their preparations, marching through the streets of their small community in the early hours before bacon sandwiches and journeying to the Big Meeting. Congregating in the Market Square, playing to Labour Movement VIPs at The County Hotel, the descent to the Racecourse Field, brass instruments laid against banners whilst passion filled speeches battle with noise of the funfair. This personal look at the event, will be peppered with memories, anecdotes, historical detail, and music to paint a picture of the importance of the Gala in people’s lives. Ken Patterson hosts the show.

With Ross Forbes of Redhills the Durham Miner's Parliament with big plans; Bill Elliott of the Birtley Elliott family and the Harratton Singers;; The Durham Women's Banner Group of 2018, Chris Ord, Eb horn player with Jayess Newbiggin Brass Band; Ziad Jabero trombonist and guitarist with the Baghdaddies;  Dave Reynolds with stories of Shildon brass composers George Allen and Tom Bulch and a link to 'Waltz Sing Matilda'; and Steve Robson composer of brass suite for St John's Catholic Academy and the NASUWT Riverside Band:  'Dean and Chapter Seat 142' named after his family's Ferryhill representation in the Redhills parliament.

The show looks to the future with young blood, Lewis Wilkinson trombonist training to be an orchestral conductor in Cardiff tells of his love of brass music, and streetband music. And a sample of the delights of BRASS Unbound Durham BRASS special programme 2: international streetbands and specially commissioned concerts from the past.