A BRASS music festival was launched yesterday by a leading escapologist.

David Straitjacket held crowds in awe in Durham Market Place as he encouraged people to visit the Brass Durham International Festival.

He had a 6in nail hammered into his nose, ate fire, swallowed a dagger and sword and walked on glass before he escaped from a straitjacket and chains.

Neil Hillier, from Durham County Council, said: “Brass is all about escapism. We want people who visit the festival to have a total experience, as brass music is captivating, exhilarating and invigorating.

“We are looking to push the boundaries of what brassbased music stands for.

“We want to celebrate that Durham is a centre for brass playing in our country, and it is where a lot of brass players start before they move out and spread the word farther afield about how wonderful Durham is.”

The festival will run from Saturday until July 19 and will feature music including afro-beat, big band, cajun, Celtic folk, classical, funk, gipsy, hip hop, jazz, salsa, ska, soul and traditional.

Headlining acts will include Mnozil Brass, from Austria, Jimi Tenor and Kabu Kabu (Finland and Africa), Femi Kuti and Positive Force (Nigeria), Johann Johannsson and Band (Iceland), the Black Dyke Band (UK), Issie Barratt with the Voice of the North jazz orchestra featuring Steve Waterman (UK), La Bottine Sourriante (Canada), the Big Chris Barber Band (UK) and Hot 8 (US).

Events will be held across County Durham, including Durham City, Bishop Auckland and Darlington.

The festival website is at brassfestival.co.uk