AN annual music festival is to return to the North-East this summer.

Details have been announced of this year’s Brass: Durham International Festival, which opens on Friday, July 5.

Over the following two weeks, some of the world’s best brass musicians will take to the streets of Durham with a series of free and paid-for events.

This year’s festival coincides with the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels on a three-month loan to Durham and the Brass festival will kick off with a performance of John Kefala-Kerr’s Book of Bells, inspired by the Medieval manuscript, in the Monk’s Dormitory Library at Durham Cathedral.

On Saturday, July 6, the action moves outdoors with Streets of Brass, bringing artists and performers from across the UK to the cobbled streets of Durham City.

The festival, organised by Durham County Council, is designed to showcase the diverse world of brass music, from the traditional sounds of the world famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band, stars of the hit movie Brassed Off, to The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, widely recognised as the UK’s best jazz ensemble, and the remarkable Hackney Colliery Band, which mixes brass, Balkan beats and hip-hop.

Other highlights include a welcome return to Durham for the hilarious French company Zic Zazou and a ground-breaking collaboration between The Lake Poets, and Stanhope Silver Band.

There will also be concerts in village halls and community centres across County Durham throughout the festival.

Coun Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: "Brass is one of the highlights of County Durham’s cultural calendar. This exciting, lively festival inspires artists and audiences to look at a much-loved musical tradition in a very different way."

The festival website www.brassfestival.co.uk will be launched in coming days, with full programme and ticket details.