'Eleanor Rigby for the Durham coalfield'

We are delighted to let you know that Redhills is reopening to the public for a unique musical collaboration with leading North East band Field Music.

The Mercury Award nominees have joined forces with the Durham Miners Association (DMA) for a new musical project exploring the region’s coal mining heritage.

The band will debut ‘Binding Time, Songs and Stories from the Durham Coalfield’ in the home of the DMA as part of this year’s Brass Festival.

Field Music has been working with the DMA on the project, visiting Redhills and researching the rich history of the Durham coalfield to inspire new compositions featuring brass band music.

“I think the original commission was something like ‘can you write us an Eleanor Rigby for the Durham Coalfield’. It’s been a fascinating challenge,” said Field Music’s David Brewis.

They will perform two concerts in The Pitman’s Parliament at Redhills, Durham Miners Hall, on Sunday 18 July. The band will be accompanied by members of NASUWT Riverside Brass Band.

Support will come from 18-year-old singer-songwriter Ami McGuinness. Ami, from Gateshead, has been supported by and is part of the Youth Musician Project in Sunderland.

The concerts will take place on Sunday 18 July at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Capacity has been limited and tickets are being sold socially distanced.

Tickets go on sale online at 9am tomorrow ( Friday 11 June).