Brass stars of the future

The unmistakable sound of brass instruments filled the Spiegeltent thanks to a special music-making project in July.

The Brass Brigade is led by St John Fisher Catholic Academy in Harrogate, working in partnership with the Harrogate Band, Wetherby Silver Band, and Harrogate International Festivals.

The performance, which pulled in a bumper crowd, featured young musicians aged 9–13, all of whom have chosen to pursue a brass instrument further, and will hopefully form part of the next generation of players.

The Brass Brigade, which won the Brass Bands England “Band Project of the Year” award in September 2025, has engaged more than 400 young people across the Harrogate and Wetherby districts over the last two years, by delivering free, brass-playing opportunities without barriers.

Education and community programmes like this are at the heart of Harrogate International Festivals’ ethos, aiming to improve access to the arts and musical participation for children.