Join us at The Story for a joyful day of music, community, and celebration.
Brass Picnic at The Story | Sunday 17 May 2026 | Family friendly and free
We are delighted to host the 80th year of the Durham County Brass Band Association’s competition, bringing together 11 regional brass bands to compete across the day. Pack a picnic blanket, find a comfy spot in our extensive grounds, and enjoy live brass music in a relaxed, family friendly setting.
This is a brilliant day of community togetherness, a chance for all generations to celebrate the North East’s rich brass band heritage and to kick off another monumental milestone year, marking Durham County Council’s 20th year of fabulous brass performances in 2026. The winning band will be announced at the end of the day. All we need now is a little sunshine!
Programme for the day
Families are welcome in the grounds from 10:00.
Band competitions start at 10:30 and finish at 17:00.
Featuring the following bands:
Bearpark and Esh
Billingham Silver
Craghead Colliery
Dunston Silver
Durham Miners
EDMG Peterlee
Felling
Ferryhill Town
Spennymoor Town
Trimdon
Valley Brass
Food & drink
Bring a picnic blanket and make a day of it.
The Story café will be open, with picnic-friendly food options available. Ice cream and sweets will also be available in our shop.
Street food catering vans will be on site for extra treats. Including Hizzy’s authentic wood fired pizza and Crep Expectations.
Free family activities
Face painting in the grounds between 11:00-15:00.
Create your own badge and banner in Search and Discover between 10:00-16:00.
Visitor information
Getting here and parking
Free parking at Howlands Park and Ride is available and the area will be signed “Event car park”. Follow event signage to the reserved area within the car park. It is approximately a five minute walk to The Story.
Click here to be taken to Howlands Park and Ride on Google Maps.
Blue badge parking
A limited number of blue badge spaces are available on site at The Story. Spaces are first come, first served. If spaces are full, drop-off on site is still possible, but cars must be parked off site.
Event entrance
Entry is via the main entrance of The Story from South Road. Drop off for those with personal belongings is available but for car parking please refer to the Howlands Park and Ride information above.
Brass band banners
Brass band banners
Brass band banners
Brass band banners
Brass band banners
Brass band banners
Brass band banners
Brass band banners
Brass band banners
Brass band banners
Wet weather provision
The bands will be performing outdoors whatever the weather. While we’re keeping our fingers crossed for sunshine, we’re also preparing for rain. We kindly ask visitors to check the weather forecast ahead of the day and plan accordingly. You may wish to bring a raincoat or umbrella, and wellington boots are recommended if conditions are wet. We will permit small gazebos and tents, but these are the responsibility of attendees. Please note barbecues and other small cooking devices are not permitted.
We can’t wait to welcome you for a day filled with music!
Schedule of the day
National anthem: 10:29
Band 1: 10:30-10:50
Band 2: 11:00-11:20
Band 3: 11:30-11:50
Lunch break: 12:00-12:30
Band 4: 12:35-12:55
Band 5: 13:05-13:25
Band 6: 13:35-14:05
Band 7: 14:15-14:35
Band 8: 14:45-15:05
Band 9: 15:15-15:35
Band 10: 15:45-16:05
Band 11: 16:15-16:35
Results/prizegiving and event end by 17:00
Events sponsors and thanks to
