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A group of musicians play their instruments in a sunny street
Free

12 Apr 2025

Norfolk Gardens

The Big Brass Blast

We took our weekend-long brass celebration to the heart of the city with a series of free outdoor gigs.

Past event

This event has passed.

The Big Brass Blowout continued in Norfolk Gardens with an afternoon of fabulous brassy fun – and it was all free.

We took our weekend-long brass celebration to the heart of the city on Saturday afternoon, showcasing the glorious diversity of brass bands, both traditional and contemporary, in Norfolk Gardens right outside St George’s Hall. Everyone was welcome, and there was no need to book – admission was free.

 The line-up: 

  • West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Band, with a programme of military-style marching-band favourites
  • Oi Musica, showcased their Band in a Day, formed in Bradford just a few hours earlier!
  • New York Brass Band, North Yorkshire’s contemporary New Orleans-inspired brass band
  • Peace Artistes Street Band, brought a whole new brassy twist to familiar hits and lost classics

The Big Brass Blowout

The Big Brass Blast was part of The Big Brass Blowout, a weekend-long celebration of the best in brass.

A man conducts a traditional brass band - they are all wearing traditional red uniforms.
© Jemma Mickleburgh
A man plays a trumpet, he is wearing shades and a black shirt.
© Jemma Mickleburgh
A crowd of people dance around a band, who are performing on the street.
© Jemma Mickleburgh
People happily clap along to the band.
© Jemma Mickleburgh
A man dums on a snare with a young boy.
© Jemma Mickleburgh
Smarty dressed men in red uniforms pose with their instruments in front of an arch
West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Band
A group of people in brightly coloured jumpsuits pose with their instruments in front of a botanical mural
Oi Musica
A band play surrounded by a crowd on a hill
New York Brass Band
A group of musicians pose with their instruments on grass.
Peace Artistes © Allana Jones
Smarty dressed men in red uniforms march with their instruments - led by a man with a long baton
West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Band

Past event

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Part of The Big Brass Blowout

From Black Dyke classics to bhangra mash-ups, join us to celebrate the best in brass. 11–13 Apr 2025.

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