ONE of the region’s most popular country estates will be brought to life with the sound of music this month with a brass band spectacular.
Following the success of the first-ever brass season last year, Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, near Morpeth, will welcome some of the North East’s finest traditional brass bands every Sunday this month.
The bands are invited to play in the atmospheric Courtyard at Belsay, taking visitors on a nostalgic journey through time.
English Heritage is encouraging visitors to take their picnics, deck chairs and rugs along to the events, which will kick off on Sunday with a rousing performance from the award-winning Ellington Colliery Band.
The band have been going strong since 1925 – performing everything from timeless classics to show tunes and modern pop music.
Jon Hogan, events manager at English Heritage, said: “After what has been a pretty dreary August, we’re looking forward to brightening everyone’s spirits with Belsay’s uplifting brass band, vintage-themed events, which will run throughout the five September Sundays.
“The history of the brass band is very much a part of the culture and heritage in the North East, English Heritage is excited to bring the tradition to life. People from all ages will be able to enjoy some toe-tapping classics, in this wonderful location throughout the whole month.”
The following Sunday will see a performance from the rural Bilsdale Band from 2.30pm together with a fleet of classic cars from the North East pre-war Austin Club parking up.
The vintage car show is set to be a real treat for all classic car enthusiasts, with models ranging from the 1920s through to the 1970s.
The Brass Bands Sundays programme will continue with Hexham Brass Band playing on September 16, Jayess Newbiggin Brass Band on September 23 and Backworth Colliery Band on September 30.
Admission for the events costs £7.70 for adults, £6.90 for concessions, £4.60 for children, and a family ticket costs £20.
Entry is free for English Heritage members and under 5s.
This Sunday’s event starts at 2.30pm.
For more information about Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/belsay or call 01661 881 636.
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