About

An annual day-long street brass festival and carnival of horns is here!

Come along and join the parade at General Gordon Square in Woolwich from 12 noon. From kicking off with a Parade through Woolwich town centre to a high-energy courtyard stage featuring some of the UK’s most exciting and diverse brass collectives, the festival promises a day of free outdoor music, community connection and family-friendly fun. 

Woolwich Works' is a dog friendly venue and the Courtyard music is free of charge. No need to book a ticket in advance. Just come down with family and friends and enjoy the Courtyard. There will be family games, a Courtyard Bar selling alcohol and soft drinks, an ice cream bike, a giant deckchair and a stretch tent to shade you from the sun.

Programme: 

The day kicks off at 12 noon with a parade from General Gordon Square to Woolwich Works. Festival-goers can enjoy a courtyard programme including DJ sets and live performances running until 8:30pm. 

Crystal Palace Brass Band (1:00pm) – Founded in 1901, this historic South London ensemble brings over a century of brass tradition, performing everything from classical arrangements to film scores, to one or two more unusual numbers. 

Bollywood Brass (2:00pm) – The UK’s pioneering Indian-style brass band, combining powerful horns with dhol drums to create colourful, joyful and irresistibly danceable performances.  They’ve gained acclaim all over the world and have won over critics and fans alike. 

She's Got Brass (3:00pm) – London’s groundbreaking 10-piece female-fronted brass ensemble, bringing a fusion of funk, soul and jazz, with members representing the LGBTQ+, Afro-Caribbean and Latina communities. Expect blistering horn lines, heavy grooves and an atmosphere of unity and joy. 

Brassic Parp (4:00pm) 
An Brighton-based brass band blurting out DJ-style pop medleys, all whilst being dressed as characters from Jurassic Park. 

London Afrobeat Collective (6:30pm) – An 8-strong multinational group blending traditional afrobeat with funk, jazz and Latin influences. Known for their raucous energy and danceable grooves, their live shows ignite audiences across Europe. 

Blow and Blast Call-Out! Dust off your trumpet, trombone, tuba or saxophone and join Woolwich Works’ community brass band. Free workshops will run on the day, with an opportunity to perform on stage, culminating in a performance at 5:15pm.

Blow and Blast is part of BRASSWORKS, a unique festival celebrating the best of contemporary brass music.

BRASSWORKS IS FREE AND OPEN TO EVERYONE!

* Brassworks is supported by Royal Festivals Greenwich