The annual Durham festival of all things brass starts this year on 7 July. The full programme can be viewed at ww.brassfestival.co.uk
On Saturday 8 July it is, of course, Durham Big Meet.
Two key speakers this year are Jeremy Corbyn, who has has spoken at the Gala on numerous occasions over the years - as a backbench MP, a Labour leadership candidate and now as Labour leader, and acclaimed film director Ken Loach. Loach is known for known for his socially critical directing style and for his socialist ideals, which are evident in his most recent film, I Daniel Blake.
Also worth checking out during the festival and for the rest of the month is the pop-up music shop in Millennium Place, provided by Durham Music Shop.