With the plunging temperatures, bystanders might have been surprised to see an ice cream van being driven through the streets of Durham, particularly when they saw three musicians performing on board. But this was the launch of Brass - Durham International Festival, which will celebrate brass-based music over two weeks in July. Cornet players Neil Doherty and Tom Hodgson joined trombonist Kieran Parnaby for the colourful launch of the event this week as they performed a range of tunes around the city. Between 1 and 15 July 2007, there will be a series of free and paid-for events across the region. To keep up to date on what is happening and when, visit the festival calendar on the official website by clicking the link at the bottom of this page.
 | | Bellowhead are one of the headline acts |
Headline acts include The Boban Markovic Orkestar, from the Balkans, the UK's Bellowhead and Dennis Rollins and Badbone, Mnozil Brass, from Austria and Brazz Brothers from Norway. Tickets for the event are on sale. Rich tradition The festival aims to tap into the region's rich tradition of brass band playing and music making. Neil Hillier, arts development manager for Durham County Council's adult and community services, said: "Brass is more than just music to the people of County Durham, it's a way of life - with thousands of people playing brass instruments every day. "We hope this year's festival will continue to tell the world about the region's strong industrial roots, not only celebrating the past but very much looking forward to the future. "The festival will highlight the important role brass plays in the North East whilst also championing its role across the world where brass continues to help create vibrant joyous communities." Adrian Tilbrook of JazzAction - a member of the Durham Brass Initiative said: "From its humble beginnings the Brass Festival has always had the ambition of expanding onto the international Festival scene. "Now in its seventh year the Festival is in a position to open up the programme to include some of the best international, national and regional Brass performers. It's great news for the northeast and great for the local players who will be taking part." Send us your pictures of any of the events to: wear@bbc.co.uk For more information call 0191 332 4041, or visit the new website by clicking the link below. | 
