Drum and Brass CIC has successfully secured £23,888.00 from Arts Council England to deliver the third year of its flagship event, Brass at the Castle - now rebranded as Cumbria’s Big Brass Weekend.
Taking place at Brougham Hall, near Penrith, the two day festival will return on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May 2026, bringing together brass bands, young musicians and communities from across the region for a celebration of music, collaboration and creativity.
Now in its third year, the event continues to build on strong foundations, growing in both scale and impact. What began as a new initiative to connect Cumbrian bands has developed into a much loved annual fixture, supporting rural music-making and strengthening the Cumbria Brass Network.
Across the weekend, audiences can enjoy a vibrant and exciting programme of performances, participatory workshops, family-friendly activities and opportunities to try brass instruments for the first time. Highlights will include a gala performance, the NOva Brass Quartet, Queen Victoria’s Consort in concert, masterclass workshops with the RNCM and a victorian instrument workshop with Andrew Kershaw.
The funding marks the third consecutive Arts Council England award secured for Drum and Brass CIC through Brass Bands England’s (BBE) member-exclusive Fundraising Service, demonstrating the continued strength of the partnership and the growing ambition of this project.
Julie Hoggarth, Director at Drum and Brass CIC, said: “Drum and Brass has cause once again to thank Beth Lambert of BBE for her excellent advice and support for this bid. We see her as part of our team!”
Beth Lambert, Fundraising Service and Development Manager at Brass Bands England, added: “I'm thrilled for the team at Drum and Brass CIC on their third successful year of Arts Council investment for Brass at the Castle. This event wholeheartedly champions grassroots music-making, as well as providing a vital opportunity for players, bands and volunteers from a rural area to really connect and learn from one another. It's an absolute highlight for me in the brass banding calendar and it's been a pleasure to be involved for a third year.”
The festival is open to all, with a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere - designed to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to take part. Whether you’re a brass player, a music lover, or simply curious to try something new, Cumbria’s Big Brass Weekend offers a unique opportunity to experience the power of community music-making in a stunning heritage setting.
For more information, programme details and how to attend, visit the Drum and Brass website.