A MONTH-long brass festival begins with a champions' concert at the weekend.

Northern regional champions the Ever Ready Brass Band will team up with Durham University Brass Band for the performance at Durham's Gala Theatre, on Sunday.

As well as marking the start of the third Durham Brass Festival, it will also celebrate the founding of Durham University's Centre for Brass Band Studies.

Festival organisers have commissioned a piece by Martin Harry, composer-in-residence at the university, which will be premiered at the concert.

Ray Farr will conduct the Ever Ready Brass Band alongside music undergraduate Nathan Hamer, who will conduct the recently established Durham University Brass Band in a piece titled Midsummer Marriage.

The festival will continue with concerts and events throughout the county until Sunday, July 20.

Among the highlights will be a Create a Band in a Day challenge, at County Hall, Durham, on Saturday, June 21, where composer and Grand Union Jazz Orchestra musician Keith Morris will bring together musicians from all genres.

There will also be a concert by Northern Brass, at Durham Town Hall on Sunday, June 22, and a performance by the English Brass Ensemble, at the Gala Theatre on Wednesday, July 2.

The festival will be rounded off with a junior brass band showcase, at the Gala Theatre, on Sunday, July 20.

For a full programme of events, call Durham City Arts on 0191-301 8245.