bvemv.orpheusweb.co.uk/BAMSWeb/bams.html

'For over 25 years, Auckland Castle served as the standard location for BAMS concerts, particularly for the main summer series, but as the remodelling plans of Auckland Castle proceed, St. Andrew's thankfully offers a wonderful new venue for BAMS in which to continue its programmes as normal after September 2016 and in particular for our 2017 series and beyond. St. Andrew's, the largest parish church in County Durham, was built almost entirely in the 13th Century.'

www.sedgefieldfolkfestival.co.uk

'From its modest beginning within a single venue in September 2006, the festival has gradually expanded to cater for the tastes and interests of travelling folk music enthusiasts and local residents alike ... A monthly Folk Club operates at the Cricket Club outside of the cricket season. Also a number of Festival Fundraisers and charity events are organised throughout the year.'

ferryhilltownband.org.uk

'Formed by the miners of the Mainsforth Colliery in 1909 and named the Mainsforth Colliery Brass Band. In the early years the miners contributed 1/2d per week to support the band. Part of their contribution also went towards supporting the cricket team, bowls team and many more activities that were associated with the colliery at that time. The importance of the colliery and its mineworkers in the community can never be underestimated: without their support so many organisations and activities would never have existed. Although the Band has changed names in its one hundred year history, its roots in the Ferryhill community have never changed.'

www.spennymoortownband.org

‘Anybody and everybody, young and old, are welcome to join the band, and free tuition is offered for those wanting to learn how to read music and play a brass instrument. We don't charge subscriptions, and we have an assortment of instruments which we offer on loan to members ... Anyone is welcome to pop in to have a casual blow at any of our rehearsals.’

www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk/senior-school/creative-arts/music-extra-curricular/

‘The Music department runs an extensive and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular music with opportunities for playing, performing, practising and appreciating music available every day ... There are lunchtime recitals, afternoon tea music and daytime and weekend opportunities to perform in stunning locations including The Bowes Museum as soloists, ensembles, bands and orchestra. The Chapel Choir plays an integral part in services at School and has also taken its music to churches and chapels around the region and beyond, often to support their fundraising efforts. In addition, there are two full productions a year in which musicians and singers can perform. The School also attracts internationally renowned performed to encourage a wider appreciation of music. The School hosts Barnard Castle Rotary’s Young Musician of the Year competition, which is open to musicians aged 8-17 from across Teesdale, and is also the meeting place for Barnard Castle Choral Society.’

www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk

'A multi-purpose venue housing a library, free-entry art gallery, tourist information centre, theatre and café. The theatre hosts a variety of events including drama productions, comedy gigs, music concerts, film nights and literary events. and local history societies.'